If you want to get into vacuum brewing, and have limited funds, go with the Santos.
Positive Product Points
Quality parts (for glass) Great looks Incredible coffee every time (so far) Easy to break apart for cleaning
Negative Product Points
Filter
Detailed Commentary
When I first got the Bodum Santos, I was ecstatic. I brewed my first cup and thought, this is my new brewing method of choice. Then I realized I had been doing it wrong, too find of a grind was keeping the coffee at the top too long. So I tried again, and it was an even better cup. Then I realized (thanks to coffee geek's how-to on siphon brewing) that I had been doing it wrong still. I was doing a cold water start, with the grinds at the top from the beginning and waiting ~30 min for a full pot.
The main point that I'm trying to make is that there is a bit to learn about using a siphon brewer properly. Sure you can follow Bodum's included directions, and you will have at least a better cup then a normal drip. But if you are going to invest in a siphon brewer, spend some time learning about the nuances. You will be glad you did.
As far as the Santos specifically; The product is great for the price. The looks are great, but give off a very slight hint of a salvation army coffee pot (the handle on the bowl especially). As much as I would love the Cona with a butane heating element, this is 1/4 of the price and has definitely pleased me so far. I have not run into any taste issues with the filter so far, but it worries me none the less. I would say the filter is the biggest flaw in the design.
Buying Experience
I bought it from my company, so my opinion would be biased ;)
