I have used the razor in both Wet and Dry modes, the wet shave is nearly a good as a disposable razor, but the dry could be a little better. Having had a Phillips Rotary/Washable, I find the washing and cleaning is not as easy as the Phillips, But overall I am happy with my choice but agree that it could be marketed more aggressively
I also have two Philips and two Panasonic shavers. All are good in different ways but the Hitachi RMWX8200 shaves the closest.The best test is if your chin still feels reasonably smooth in the evening. Its only improvement I would recommend is Hitachi should increase its power a little more. Hitachi are brilliant on design and poor on marketing, otherwise one would see such shavers being more widely used.