The DirectTivo on the other hand is very slick (record two things at once, record the digital stream without recompression) and outshines anything replay currently has.

I think he said he has cable, so a DirecTivo is out. I agree with your other points, though

belezeebub, the only other thing I can tell you is to go to a Best Buy. The last time I checked they had both devices on display. Don't think about model numbers or disk space and check them out. First compare UIs and see which one fits you. After that, look at the features. Everything else is the same.

Lastly:

Unless I'm wrong, all TiVos are basically identical

Except that you can get 40 or 80 hour capacities.