A few years ago, home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy devices--previously primarily available to spas, were reduced in size and cost and became available for home use. Since then, a huge number of different models has become available at Amazon.The thing is, almost all these IPL devices offer the basic functionality of hair removal. Higher-end models offer such features as "ICE" active cooling and/or multiple filters for different effects. But if your focus is entirely on hair removal at the lowest price, to a large part your decision can be driven by price.Then, among these lower-priced units, it will come down to ergonomics and power. There are two basic designs for these IPL devices: Oblong or gun-shaped. I prefer the gun shape (like this one)--it's easier to hold and control. But the oblong is OK. Button design can also vary. And power can vary. Generally, these units range from 30-60W, with the higher power (presumably) translating into more powerful flashing.This model features a flash button on top that is easily pressed when the IPL device is in your hand (see photos). This is an additional button on top for power on/off and power level.Specifics of this IPL device:** Has three modes: Hair removal (HR), skin rejuvenation (SC) and Acne (RA)** 36W power supply (low-level)** NO ICE skin cooling functionality** LCD screen shows focus area and power level (1-9)** Gun shape, more convenient in the hand** The power cord attaches to the end of the unit (see photos)** No attachments to change the flash end shape** Rated for 999,999 flashes, 9 power levels.Operation is pretty trivial:1) Attach the power cord to the IPL device and plug it into the wall (the device is NOT battery operated--you must have it plugged in).2) Turn on the device via the power button, which is on the side of the unit, next to the LCD screen3) Choose the power level to use (you have nine levels, and you cycle through them by repeatedly pushing the power button4) Place the front end of the device against the skin you are trying to treat and push the power button quickly. (You can also put the device in "auto" mode, where it flashes every time it is pushed against the skin. To put it into auto mode, press and hold the flash button for a couple of seconds). There is a few second refractory periods after flashing before you can flash again.The light is extremely powerful and could damage your eyes with continued direct exposure. Therefore, you should never look directly into the light and a cheap pair of folding protective eyeglasses are included in the box. The light is triggered by sensors in the front of the device. Using very slow-motion photography, I was able to capture a split-second (1/100th of a second) snapshot of the light (see photos). But the light duration is extremely short.You run the tool over the area where you want to remove hair and make sure you expose all the hair follicles in that region. You will not see any immediate results. The light signals your hair to stop growing, but it requires multiple treatments over several weeks before you will be expected to see results. Eventually, you should find a substantial reduction in the hair in the treated areas.In the box, you get the tool, a power cord, a pair of eye protection glasses, a cheap disposable razor, plus instructions.Unusually, this gun offers three modes: Hair removal (HR), Skin rejuvination (SC), Acne mode (RA).Typically, if an IPL device offers these altenate modes, it will come with additional filters that attach to the front of the gun to focus the wavelength of the light. The usefulness of these alternative modes (outside of HR) is subject to debate. But in any event, they are generally based on focusing the light into a more narrow range than that used by HR. I can't attest to the usefulness/viability here, although it's easy enough to turn these modes on (press the trigger and power buttons simultaneously to change the mode).Overall, this seems like a decent enough IPL device, and the additional modes is a plus (although I remain skeptical about how useful they really are).Note that a basically identical version of this kit, but featuring a gun rated for higher power (48W) is also sold by some sellers on Amazon, for around the same price. You might look into that.Pros:** Gun shaped** Multiple modes (HR/SC/RA)** Moderately pricedCons:** Low power (36W)** No additional focusing lenses