First, a confession: I had a first model TiVo. I've had 3 over the years, couldn't dream of living without a DVR and ever watching television again. The lifetime membership is totally worth it if they're offering them again. You're right about resale as well. It increases resale value dramatically. The extra money for disk space might be better spent on installing your own HD, but I don't recall how much of a hardware geek you are, so you may find your time and money are better spent on the "official" product. I don't know if you know him, but megazone's GizmoLovers started out as "TiVo Lovers", and he's had good reviews (of both the positive and not so positive variety) on the various options they offer.