G'day Makovitza, Either of the two machines you have metioned will produce a good espresso with good technique, and a good grinder. How into coffee is your friend? Is she prepared to learn how to grind, dose and tamp with fresh coffee beans to get a good result, or is she a set and forget kind of girl? If she doesn't want to mess around grinding and tamping, she might be better off with a super auto, although that might be slightly out of your budget. Another suggestion, slightly out of left field, may be a coffee appreciation/preparation course. By doing that she'll learn how to make a good cup, and maybe get some tips as to what machine/grinder to purchase later. If you search for barista training courses in her local area, you should come up trumps. Hope this helps.
