Ninja Professional Blender - First Impression

Over the past few years, Ive gone through about 4 blenders. My first one was a GE and that lasted a long time, cause I hardly used it. Well when I started making smoothies everyday. The motor went out on it (it started smoking!) so I went and got a single serve one. That lasted about a week. I used my food processor for a while, then got a Hamilton Beach Wave system. Well it took about 30 minutes to blend a smoothie (AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!)
I took it back and got an Oster one for a little bit more money. At first I liked it it, then when I would use it, I would have to stop it, push the fruit to the bottom, watch it go, then do it again. This was so damn annoying. Well I finally decided to break down, spend more money for a good quality blender.
I looked at the Blendtec and Vitamix, and unless those blenders plan  on doing my shopping plus blending then Im not shelling out that kind of money. I read about the Ninja Blender and read a lot of good reviews on it. The price is $99 not bad considering the other higher options.
I saw it in stores and really like how it looked. Very sleek, modern, and looks very expensive. Here is how its different from any other blender.

• 1000 watts (its powerful)
• It not only has blades on the bottom but in the middle, and at the top (this makes blending, chopping, juicing, easier)
• The container is huge (72oz, and 9 cups) shouldn't be a problem mixing everything you need.
• The lid locks, and has a spout! This blender will not operate without being locked. Which is a good thing. I also love the spout because now you can pour things without spilling stuff everywhere. This is more for liquid though. My smoothie is too thick to pour.
• Easy to clean. The blade is removeable, so now you wont cut yourself cleaning the container

Now my first impression of the blender

• It takes a little long to blend, but I don't have to push anything to the bottom. I let it do its thing and it blended nicely
• My smoothie was so smooth!! not one piece of chunk anywhere.
• Cleaned with no effort. I washed it and looks just like new
• Its a little loud, but not over the top loud
• Its very tall! it still fits on my counter nicely and doesnt interfere with the top cabinets.
• I love how it has to have the lid locked before blending

My first impression is a good one. The best part about this is that you can make so much stuff in here. I can even shred chicken, make guacamole, and salsa!!! I cant wait to try all of this and more. With that said the price doesnt seem to be that bad. I will do a final review one I try more things on it.

Do any of you have any Ninja Products?