i have the dolce gusto which uses pods. Yopu can have a creamy, frothy topped cappucino/latte or an ordinary espresso, americano and lungo - all without crema.
As well as this they do chocolate which is lovely and mocha.
The pods are about 3.28 for 8 or 16 drinks, depending on the type and i think the machines are about 89.
I like my coffee piping hot and with this machine, it stays hot to the bottom of the drink. My brother has a very expensive version on mine but the coffee is often tepid. You also don't need to heat anything up, you can make a drink from cold in seconds.
I used to live in Italy and LOVE my coffee, and i have never been disappointed with this machine.
(Or you could just get a stove top espresso machine)