After years of resisting I bought a Nespresso Pixie for much the same reason (compactness) a couple of months ago and can't remember how I managed without it. It took me a while to find a capsule to my taste but there's enough range to suit most.

It certainly doesn't beat the old Italian barista next to my old office, but it cranks out better espresso than 90% of the take-outs I used to end up buying elsewhere (and the Lavazza Espresso Point we have in the office). Its consistency and the ability to be walking out of the door with a drink one minute after I decide I want one are both big pluses.

One thing I would comment is that whilst it makes good espresso, it doesn't seem to lengthen well so my other half (who prefers a long black to an espresso) isn't as big a fan.