IMO - only looks good! Very Poor Design..

Several years ago, I had a DeLonghi espresso machine. I, like many others, got sick of paying $4+ for take-out cappucino. The machine was about $150, mostly plastic, but worked well. It had separate 1 and 2-cup filters and a tamper. It didn't look as snazzy as the Via Venzia, but it was designed for the best and easiest of use. The #1 problem with the Saeco is the fact that one has to remove all of the front trays, and there are several, in order to put fresh water into the reservoir. The hose flops around while you try to replace the reservoir. Next, you must replace ALL of the trays! The DeLonghi, along with several others that I wish I had considered, has the water reservoir on the back. Just pluck it off, fill it, and pop it back on. No numerous tray removal and fumbling with the hose. The DeLonghi stopped automatically when the cappucino cup was at the right fullness to allow for milk & froth. The Via Venezia also falls short in frothing. I, honestly, can't express enough how disappointed I am in this product. I disposed of my DeLongi (can no longer find the model) after it started looking pretty tired. It still worked fine, however.
I bought my Saeco at Starbucks, and wish I hadn't waited so long to attempt to use it - since we were installing a new kitchen. I'd take it back in a heartbeat, but it's been a couple of months now. Advice? Make sure the water reservoir is on the back of the machine. I don't know what the Saeco people were thinking!