Well, this is an unusual IPL. I've tested dozens of them, and most are pretty similar in terms of form factor (either oblong or gun-shaped, but all hand-held and attached via a simple power brick cable). This one, in contrast, is designed like an old phone cradle, with the flash gun taking the place of the phone, and very big lights on the left to indicate function. It takes a lot more space than most of these, and I'm not convinced that what you get for all that space (basically, bigger selector buttons on the base unit) is a great trade-off. But if you don't mind using all that space, them I suppose it's fine.In terms of functionality, this includes ICE cooling, different modes for different body parts, power level selection, and a couple of filters that can be attached (magnetically) to the flash head of the unit to filter the wavelengths of light that make it out.The flash window on this one is larger than most (maybe all) that I've tested in the past, and in principle this allows you to complete a flashing session more quickly. The ICE cooling level is adjustable (I've never seen more than on/off before), and that's interesting, although if you are going to use it I am not sure why you wouldn't use the highest cooling level.The real differentiating feature here is the maximum rated power for flashes, which is 25 J/cm^2. That's far in excess of low end models, which can top out at 3-10 J/cm^2, and even more than most high-end devices, most of which top out below 20 J/cm^2. It's not in the range of up to 40 J/cm^2 that a professional clinic-quality IPL can reach, but it's more than enough to get the job done. Since the power provided is a big part of how effective the IPL unit will be, this is a quite valuable distinction.Now for the downside: There's an automated flash mode for this IPL. For most IPLs in automatic mode, the flashing will stop if the head of the IPL is not in flat contact with skin. In fact, every IPL device I've tested up to now includes that safety feature. This device will continue flashing even if the IPL is not in contact with the skin. This makes it easy to have the IPL not facing the skin, and, instead, facing your eyes, and have it go off. Especially given the high energy density this can achieve, this could be very dangerous and could cause eye damage (especially if you are not wearing protective eyewear--but possible even if you are).I would absolutely not use the auto mode on this device as a result.Besides the IPL, you get 8 disposible shavers, a couple of pairs of cheap protective sunglasses, and a couple of magnetically attached wavelength filters (Rejuvinating = 500-650nm and Brightening = 900-1800nm).This IPL is pretty expensive relative to the competition. The high power density is a real selling point, but the large footprint of the device and the flawed automatic mode are drawbacks.Pros:** The highest power home IPL device I've encountered (up to 25 J/cm^2)** Strong ICE cooling function** Includes filtering lenses for specific features** Big lighted selector buttons are easy to see and useCons:** Pricey relative to other IPL devices** The automatic flashing mode will continue even if the device is not making contact with the skin--a potential eye hazard** The footprint of the device, which is an unusual cradle design, is much larger than most