hm, been using my free machine for a few days
the coffee isnt any better in a dif pod machine(black and decker home cafe) so that rules out any error on the senseo's part, tried making my own pod with limited success but it did taste good, weaker than i like(quite possibly jsut didnt grind it fine enough) but a improvised pod with normal filter paper folded over on top(do NOT get it in the way of the rubber gasket) and it tasted pretty good with some real coffee instead of the crap it includes
edit: oh also, in responce to the guy who got a machine with MOLD in it, what part? that'd suck if it happened to you but slightly amusing if it happens to somone else