I love the Bodum santos (the leci one and the hob version).
The heat difusers are available (I've got a few of them), but I really like the leci one as its convienient, and makes great coffee. I know phil has had his problems but I use mine three four times a day every day with out a problem.
I've never had a cona (id love one if any one wants to send me one ) so cant comment