Thanks for all replies. The Rancilio Silvia looks very appealing as a good value, solidly built semi automatic.

That DeLonghi looks interesting, but as it seems to be priced at the top end within its class of lighhter duty machines, I feel at that point I would just as soon spend a bit more for a more serious machine like Rancilio or Breville, etc...

If I go super automatic, Jura is also highly recommended and one that I will consider.