An epilator is one of the many alternatives to shaving for hair removal. Using this Philips epilator I have found that the results definitely last much longer than shaving (a couple of weeks). However, the process takes MUCH longer. I have found that you have to go over every patch of skin quite a few times to get all the hair off. The epilator comes with two detatchable caps to aid with removing shorter hairs. There are also two different speed settings. The epilator itself is easy to clean as the head is completely detachable, however the removed hair does tend to fly everywhere during epilation.
The device itself is quite small (about 7cm x 4cm x 1cm) so is easily portable. The lead is quite long, so you can epilate your legs where is convenient, not just where the electricity socket is.
Epilating is not as painful as you might think, but it is not pain free. When using this epilator expect some discomfort during use and for a few hours after (especially if you apply moisturiser). My skin also goes quite red and blotchy for a few hours, however this always settles down with no adverse effects. The only problem I have noticed with epilating versus other ways of hair removal is that you do tend to get a fair few ingrowing hairs if you don't exfoliate regularly after epilating. More efficient epilating can be achieved by exfoliating beforehand.
I have had this epilator for about 18 months and it has not quite lived up to my expectations, and as a result I have only used it a few times. However the technique does take a while to master (it says this in the handy advice booklet) so don't be too disappointed if desired results aren't acheived first time, it does get easier! I find it most useful for before holidays so you don't have to think about shaving during the holiday. For me, the process is just to long and laborious to do every two weeks. However this is a decent product and at around £30 is worth a try if you're sick of shaving.