It is reflective of Braun quality. [SEP] ... The self cleaning feature is designed for lazy people. I like it because the cleaning fluid lubricates the blades. Refills are five a pop and supposed to last 30 days. Lets see 5x12=60 Thats a new shaver a year. Heres what I do...and not out of cheapness either, after every shave pop the screen off and give it and the blades one good blow, pop screen back on. Every other time, clean it.<br />Every 6th time charge it. By blowing every shave and cleaning every other....... you get 90 days out of a fluid refill, not 30.<br />The base detects how much [stuff] is in the fluid, and when it gets too much ,forces you to change cartridges or it will not work.(clean) To make your batteries last an extra year.. once a month let them run down completely, then charge. Theres a difference between being cheap and throwing money away. I just get to buy more toys. Aint that whats its about? Closest shave ever? Not really, but fuctional enough to be worth it. Overall> Nice shaver.<br /><br />UPDATE: Sept 16, 2012.  This unit lasted me six years then took a dump.