real time pcr machine?

[Deb Britt]

We're looking to buy a real-time PCR machine, and have narrowed the
choices to ABI 7700 or Stratagene's new Mx4000.  I would be interested in
hearing from anyone who has used either or both of these machines - are
you happy with the one you have?  is the software easy to use? if you were
involved in purchasing the instrument, what features led you to choose
that particular machine? Is there any software for designing TaqMan
probes, other than ABI's?

Thanks for your help.

-- 
Deborah Britt, Ph.D.
Department of Medical Oncology
Rhode Island Hospital