When I was researching a hair removal solution, I wanted DIY, low cost, and effective. Which immediately knocked out having it professionally done, and I didn't like the tediousness and poking of electrolyses and epilation. Tried the roller conductive electrolysis product, but it was pretty ineffective. Started looking at IPL and lasers, and settled on the Silkn sensepil device. The reviews were good and I really couldn't imagine spending a mind boggliingly amount of time zapping my entire body one hair folicle at a time. Also it was much cheaper than the Tria. At least up front. The cartridges are $30 each and only last 700 shots and you can't reuse them (I tried to hack it). But other than that it does work as much as they can and still be safe. Ive been using it for about 4 months with 5 or 6 "treatments". The hair on my chest and everywhere else ive used it has either stopped growing or slowed/fined down to female levels. The only hair that has been stubborn has been facial and neck, annoyingly. I guess because its the most vigorus and the skin there is darkest from getting the most sun. It has gotten finer, but didn't "switch off" the way other areas did.
I hope that helps and someone who has used the Tria will chime in.