this is a nice little item for use. i would recommend the larger one (V3). I got the V2 which is nice for one or two cups, uses #1 cones.
Positive Product Points
Very reliable coffee extraction, amazing aesthetic, obviously an engineering marvel, almost idiot proof (see below).
Negative Product Points
I may have paid a bit much for it, as I look at prices, but this is not a bad point, maybe. Just shop around. Hario as of early Jan '10 has its own site hariousa.com which is quite reasonable. I think that the Sweet Maria's vpot is about as good, and can be split because it has a release valve at the bottom. I use that a lot more for quick use, filling a flask, etc. The Hario is just nice for special times and special coffees.
Detailed Commentary
I buy a lot of discretionary coffee stuff to impress other male humans. this is much more impressive for females, since it is something that makes a person "feel special" when served that way. I know that one coffee shop (Everyday Joe's in Ft Collins CO) serves coffee customers with the smaller one. It can overflow if your coffee is too fine, and it plugs the filter. It can also fail to adhere to the side of the cone as the water is poured into it, which will fail to achieve coupling.
I have no real complaints about it, and marvel at how it operates. I recommend the clear plastic one, since the transparent view is a nice touch for serving. The extraction differs from some drip machines, like my Tecnivorm... but it is nice, especially with a subtle bright coffee like a Kenya peaberry, which has many subtle tones. It will be a fine product after dinner to entertain with. not much else to say... the thingee rocks.
Buying Experience
the vendor is one of several. shopper look around.
