Great blender, but cheap plastic lid cracked in 2 places within 2 months. And I don't think a replacement is available.

I use my Hamilton Beach 51101 blender every day, and have done so for several years now. Pulsing is, in my opinion, the single best way to make a smoothie, for certain.

I make smoothies using frozen fruit and vegetables every time - - the trick is, cut up the fruit a bit, so the blades have a chance to blend- - ie, I cut a frozen strawberry into two pieces, and I chop up a celery stalk and a half an apple into smaller pieces before blending. I never ask it to blend ice, though. Perhaps that is why my blenders last so long - - approximately 2 years with everyday use.

I also just took this blender on an eight-week road trip, camping all the way. It did miraculously well! I was able to have fresh, healthy drinks anywhere we were hooked up to power. It was a Godsend.

While on the road, I had a chance to use a Magic Bullet. It did ice very well, and if ice was a real priority, I might get the Magic Bullet. Since I don't use ice, I found I prefer the Hamilton Beach 1101. I also found the Hamilton Beach was no larger than the Magic Bullet, if size is important.

This is not my first Hamilton Beach 51101 blender, it's my second in three years. I always have a backup, as there is nothing out there that can do what this one does, consistently well. I find it easy to keep looking new, as long as I rinse it out after each use, and use only a soft sponge while cleaning. If you treat it well, it will reciprocate in kind.

This blender is handy for on the go drinks but not very good at blending frozen fruit. I haven't tried ice for that reason. If large pieces of fruit are put in first before more liquid items, frequent hand mixing is needed. A bit of a learning curve is needed as to what works best whereas a larger, more powerful blender would not be a problem.

My blender is over 2 years old with nearly daily use and is still going strong. I just ordered one for my wife who is now into protein and fruit shakes. Sure beats draggin out the Oster.

The price for shipping this item is more than the item itself, a little over $19. Find it in a Target store near you unless you are truly desparate!!!!