Buy now or wait?

[tobacco]

Hello all,
I'm in a bit of a bind. I want a good machine NOW, but am inclined to wait for Chris's double boiler machine. The features and projected price make the ultimate decision simple. Unfortunately, it's not ready.

Right now I have a good grinder (mazzer), a Gaggia Synchrony, and home roast; this does nothing to build barista skill, and the cups are low to mediocre quality. Also, I'm afraid to grind too fine as some say this will screw up the gaskets in the superautomatic machine.

The question is: What would you do? Buy a crappy machine now, buy a good machine now, live with the Synchrony, buy used machine that could be resold at a minor loss, or do nothing?

[HB]

Alas, the high-end espresso equipment dilemma - should I stay or should I go? On one hand, there will always be the "next best" on the horizon, so if you're pressed for time, decide from what's available today and move on. On the other, we're talking about an investment choice that you'll be using for a long time, so it's worth choosing carefully.

Almost half-jokingly, I created the Decide-o-Matic to capture the criteria that buyers use to make a decision on their espresso machine. Which are the top three criteria in your list? I assume the temperature control of a dual boiler is #1? Anything else?

[NewEnglandCliff]

I'd buy a good machine now. There are some great choices out there now - better than we've ever had. There will always be new and improved models coming out that will infect you with upgrade fever (just like cars), especially with the growing espresso movement. If you buy a quality machine now you will always be able to sell it if you must. Better yet, if you find you just have to upgrade, keep your current machine as a backup, or at your parents place, or at your girlfriends place, or at your getaway cabin.