Customer Rating: 
Summary: Much better than the older Sonicares; somewhat pricy
Comment: After years and years of using an Sonicare Advance, I finally decided to upgrade to a newer Sonicare.
The pros:
+The newer Sonicares are better looking, have a better weight (solid, but not heavy), and are smaller than the older models.
+The older Sonicare brush heads were a bit squarish. The newer ones are more naturally shaped. (By the way, unless you have a very large mouth the smaller tips are superior- they get in the corners much better).
+The older Sonicare heads used magnets (visible and easily set off) that rusted, and you'd have to screw on the heads onto a compartment that very easily got gross. Easier to put on, no magnet fuss, no disgusting build up (the manual recommends you rinse it once per week, both the top of the handle and the brush bottom, where each connects to the other).
+The new brushing modes are good. Some are kind of gimmicky (GoCare doesn't clean your teeth well enough) but the clean modes and MaxCare modes (MaxCare does the 30 second cycles for each quadrant of the mouth, plus an additional 15 seconds of pulsing, which helps with braces and such).
+The new charging base is smaller, and this one includes a very small charging base that's convenient for travel.
+The UV sanitizer is simple enough to use. I always misplaced my caps, having a spot for the brushes that sanitizes is handy.
+The SmartStep feature is good for first time Sonicare users (slowly ramps up intensity to build up your gum strength).
+The quad pacer (a little buzz that tells you when to switch where you're brushing) is a very helpful little feature that tells you when to switch what area you're brushing.
The cons?
-Brush heads are expensive. The handles last 5+ years, but the brushes are outrageously expensive. Buy them whenever they're on sale and just save them. Save coupons and buy at wholesale clubs if you can.
-The UV sanitizer, according to my dentist, is kind of useless...
Overall, excellent brush, cleans well, ergonomically good. A bit expensive, but quality only hurts once (except the brush heads...).
Tips?
-Sonicares seem to use a little less toothpaste, in my experience. A pea sized amount is good.
-Wet your brush head with water before putting the toothbrush on and brushing. Otherwise it doesn't clean as nearly as well.
-If you've owned a Sonicare before and don't want to use the SmartStep feature (2 weeks of gradually increasing the power), put it on the charging base and hold the power button for 5 seconds. One beep means you turned it off, two beeps means you turned it back on.
-If you don't like the quadpacer, you can disable it in the same way as the SmartStep, just use the "brush mode" button instead.
