My folks bought me the Breville BES830xl for a grad present and I love it!
It takes a practice to make espresso properly and steam/froth milk well, but it yields awesome results.
I use the Baratza Virtuoso burr grinder which is quite nice, too. You should spend a fair amount to get a good burr grinder with an espresso machine, as others have mentioned.
If speed and convenience is your top priority by far, or you are the only person in your household who drinks coffee, then a single serve coffee machine like Keaurig or Tassimo makes sense.
If you really want a good coffee, like lattes/cappuccinos, and don't mind a little effort, consider an espresso machine.