last question before i get my new grinder and better coffee, once i have these items, is my Baby Twin good enough or will that need upgrading too?

thanks for all the great advice. it is clear i need a new grinder and some better coffee. i have a feeling i'm going to get kicked out of here for asking this but. in the interest of saving money/time, does it make sense to use espresso pods instead of grinding myself?

OK. I'll try a new grinder. I had no idea it was that important. Given the expense of the machine, I may have to return it for a cheaper one to pay for such a pricey grinder. Any suggestions on machine/grinder combo in the $600 area? Also, the beans were just starbucks french roast

Hi - I actually posted already on Coffeegeek ("link") but thought I would try here as well. I am a little frustrated since i bought a new Gaggia Twin and I am probably using it wrong. The shots go blonde after just 6 seconds or so and a full shot is produced in that time. I tamped