Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

(Updated 4/09, 2/10, 1/11, & 6/13) I was very happy with my earlier LeBistro feeder (although it took a while to interpret the instructions). That one lasted 18 months. I bought this newer model thinking they would have improved the programming interface. They did; it's easier! However, I purchased this newer unit on January 5th and it just died, on March 17. That's two months and one week that it worked. The troubleshooting instructions identified the 'blinking Meal' problem as a jammed hopper. So I turned it off, carefully cleaned it all out, put new batteries in, and retested it. Nothing. When the feeding time came, the 'Dinner' light started blinking again, and no food came out. The only way to regain control at that point is to turn the unit off and back on. I do not have the original box, so I have no chance of exchanging or returning it. I won't buy another product from Petmate. --> Update April 2009: One more observation. I read extensive reviews on this product both here and on other web sites. One reviewer took his feeder apart. He discovered that the 'rubber band' that loops around the motor to turn the food turnstile had come off. I opened up my feeder, and half of the rubber band had come off of the mechanism on mine as well. Unfortunately, just slipping the band back into place did not fix my feeder. I have exhausted all possibilities and am beyond my return date, so into the trash this one goes. ---> Update February 2010: Follow-up...I bought a Super-Feed feeder and am very happy with it. It is a bit tedious to set up (the instructions are VERY clear, and the web site even has a video of each step, to help you). This feeder is pretty bullet-proof. Not nearly as attractive as the LeBistro, but it will probably last me YEARS rather than months. ---> Update January 2011: In case anyone is interested, the Super-Feed feeder is still working great a year later. ---> Final update, June of 2013: Last post on this subject...wanted to say we are still happy with the Super-Feed feeder, which is now going on 3 years old. Built to last! :-)