I will not attempt to recommend any particular machine but would suggest you bear in mind the following :

1) What fluors do you wish to use - multiplexing ? No point in having 7 colours if you never intend to use them

2) What excitation - laser or bulb (bulbs have limited lifespans, require replacing, may need "warming up time). lasers quick reliable but expensive to replace.

3) What format, 96 well, 384 well, 72/100 tubes or plates. Will format be easily compatible with automation or multisample target preparation. Can an upgrade or change be made later.

4) Running costs - what are the costs per assay - do you need specific mixes / consumables etc

5) How many runs per day - the max I have done on a Rotorgene is 8 sequentially. Obviously the quicker the ramp times the more assays in a given time

6) Can the data generated be assayed off-line or remotely. Is the software easily transferrable to your laptop so that you can analyse it without having to wait for someone else to get off the machine or is it restricted.

7) What service charges are there - some are absolutely outrageous, and how quick do they respond - do they provide a replacement machine whilst yours is trans-shipped to another country - a sure-fire way to paralyse a lab. What are the guarantees - can they be extended. Unlike cars, few manufacturers seem confident enough in their products to offer more than 1yr guarantees.

8) You MUST get to run the machine in your lab under your running conditions before you agree to any purchase and compare with other machines. What works fine for someone else may not always be fine for your particular requirements.

9) Draw up a table of good /necessary requirements and get colleagues to score the different options and machines.

Don't be taken in by the snake charmers and snake-oil merchants !!!

Ian

For the last years I have been using the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System from Applied Biosystems and It is really user-friendly.

The Rotorgene machine (Qiagen now) provides the best platform for HRM in my experience. The Lightcycler 480 is a good platform too and the software is very good for users.

I should agree. I´ve used the Rotor Gene, the Step One Plus and the ABI 7500, and in my opinion the Rotor Gene is the most robust and user friendly Real Time PCR equipment. Also is the most sensitive for HRM in detection and the easiest for analysis. The hot air-based heating system allows more efficient temperature changes, and it allows you to analyze in 5 channels at the same time. Also very good for multiplex HRM.