Kitchen Blenders

We were at Costco's today and they were doing a demonstration of this vitamix blender – well, it's the only blender I've ever known that crushes ice to a super smooth ice cream like consistancy. We thought it was great – but the price is very high. We have a Kitchen Aid blender – and it sucks compared to this one… We were wondering if it's worth money – or if anyone can recommend a product just as good but cheeper?

we also have one, i use it everyday, especially for our 11 month old baby, i make soups in just a few minutes.
i know its expensive, but soon you will forget about the price and enjoy the benefits of having one, plus they guarantee the machine for years
however i think paying $400 for the machine is way toooo high, you can get them at the following sotes for much less, $340

http://www.epinions.com/content_192388238980

i have a recipe for a juice with carrot and celery in it, and i dont want to go out and buy a juicer because a) they are kind of expensive, and b) blending foods retains the fiber. the blender i have is a cuisinart smart power duet, the blades are in pretty good shape.

No, a blender won't liquidize your carrots. You will need to buy some carrot juice, which is much cheaper than a juicer.

I have a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and A Braun Immersion blender.I want to know about a good Hand Mixer brand.

kitchenaid or braun would be great