So, I was seriously skeptical. Then I had read a ton of directions. And watch a video. Then read directions while I put it together. Then not get cocky with it and actually follow the directions and learn to use it. Grrr. Turns out, it was the best 2 hours I ever invested in fiber crafting. I can now crank out a scarf (say 170 rows, 40 stitches per row, changing colors every 10 rows) in about 45 minutes, including set up time. And I have only had it a week. Sweater for a 5 year old (rolled edges, not ribbed)? 4 hours. TOTAL. I made legwarmers for the 5 year old with the leftover yarn while making tea. One while the water was getting hot, one while the tea was brewing. The massive yarn stash I've been building for years? It is actual COMPLETED projects now. Whoot!

It is not faster for k1, p1 and eyelets and cables are easier to see but slower to work. Different from hand knitting there, but not necessarily better.

Where this machine rocks is in creating row after row of fast, even stockinette stitch. Scarves, simple hats and sweaters, blankets, etc. Stripes moving along rows are crazy easy. Not so much vertical stripes, but those were a pain by hand, too. It isn't the best tool for every application, but it is incredible at what it is good at.