This new model has a larger centrifuge rotor so there is less of a difference in force from edge to middle of the plate and they added a disposable plate cover to help reduce the chance of cross contamination during evacuation. There is actually no drum around the rotor now. Downside is that it is really big.
We purchased an IDOT L about 6 months ago and it’s a long ways from perfect. It’s correct to say it’s an alternative to an Echo, but overall the Echo is a better product. If the Echo were the same price as the IDOT the IDOT wouldn’t even exist. I think the Echos are easily worth double the price of the Echo just purely from reliability and function standpoint. But 5X the price? No, I can’t justify purchasing an Echo over an IDOT.
What are some of the issues you have observed with the IDOT? I am currently looking into getting one and would like to know more if you have any insights