This is $299 elsewhere, and even on the Delonghi factory seconds website where they are out of stock, they were $199-$244.95 (https://www.delonghi.com/en-au/factory-seconds/seconds-shop/...)

These machines take ground coffee as well as ESE pods so you have a bit of choice. Not locked into buying expensive pods but it is still an option for convenience or a backup for when you run out of beans or your grinder breaks.

Here is an article from user jaydisc about some hacks to make it perform like an expensive machine http://toolsandtoys.net/guides/making-the-most-of-the-delong...