I have always used hand held mixers but decided to give a stand mixer a try. I LOVE it and will never go back. It makes baking and cooking so much easier and more fun.
I received this for Christmas and haven't used a lot. the times I have have gone well. I haven't had a chance to experiment with it but I am hoping it was worth the lonnnng waiting.
Not only is it more convenient than using a hand mixer (or... stirring it by hand!), I think it also does a better job and mixes everything more evenly. It also looks great on my counter, and the accessories it came with (and what are offered at an additional cost) can do just about anything.