Review (5/5): Beyond all other shavers
I was acutally hired to test this along with two other rotary models and 5 other electric straight edges (remington-like) in a recent product test. All of us in the test group came back with the overwhelming nod toward the Spectra in every category -- comfort, closeness and easy of use.
I've personally used a Norelco (the low end model) for a few years. Good but not great. This is a completely different animal with better cutting design for both better closeness on the face and more comfort on the neck and other angles. After a week of testing I really didn't want to return it.
The 'extra' features didn't matter much to me when I started, but my opinion quickly changed. Have a 'minutes remaining' to recharge was very useful when travelling. I knew whether I needed to bring the cord or not. That it is water resistant meant a little less worry when working near the wet sink. (I've also had this strange anxiety about it accidentally kerplunking into the toilet...now that fear is gone.)
There are not too many devices I use everyday, and that's how I'd justify the price. My cheaper norelco has been with me for about 5 years and I expect at least the same for this guy, so it can be amortized to about 10 cents a day.
I have tried and compared it to the others. Truly the best one out there, and I think you'd sacrifice a great deal taking a step down in price.