I did a spring mod for a little while till I got a hold of some... blue stuff. I guess a lot of people recommend the fluval water polishing pads-- haven't found that here in Hawaii, but I got some Pondmaster fine polyester media (polishing pads) which I just cut plugs out of (10mm x 10mm x 30mm) & replace whatever came in the original carts. After about 5-6 refills I replace the blue stuff w/ fresh plugs. IT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Personally I like the DSE801 it just seems more convenient when I'm @ work, being as I don't sit behind a desk-- less refilling, batts last pretty long, etc... if they only made a ball point attachment it'd be perfect. Maybe I'm just lucky, gone through 2 attys since Oct 09. All my stuff comes from HC.
Rocket's right it does produce a lot of vapor-- especially when it wicks good.