Blendtec HP3-A 4-Speed Blender

I bought the Blendtec HP3-A a couple of years ago so I could make smoothies for the summer. I've tried other less powerful blenders over the years, and they never could make good smoothies because they couldn't break down ice cubes into a smooth slurry. This HP3 easily breaks down ice cubesl.
The digital buttons are nice compared to mechanical buttons that can stick with  liquid that can drip behind them.
That are the good features. The bad feature is a big one: The poorly designed carafe. Right after the warrenty expired for the carafe, the blades didn't spin freely, and the blender started to make loud grinding noises Not soon after that, the blades locked up completely. It turns out the seal for the bearings under the blades leaked, ruining the bearings. The bearing are not replaceable. The carafe must be replaced.
Blendtec has redesigned the carafe, but they claim it lasts only 20% more than the original. I hardly used the blender. 20% isn't enough.. Each carafe costs about $60 plus shipping. This is unexcusable for a $300+ blender. If you plan on using the blender often, plan on replacing the carafe often too.
Do yourself a favor. Buy the Vitamix blender instead.