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…
Good machine mine has been going strong for 2 years combined with the Breville Grinder Pro
Got mine for $101 from Amazon (white version).
I do find the area where you put the cup too small, so I need to remove the stainless steel bit to fit my cup.