I have the Pro 3000 and the only differences are the 2 extra vibration modes: gentle and extra (i guess, it's really similar to the regular mode). I only used the gentle the first week or so until I got used to it and have never used the extra mode other than to try it out. I paid the same price ($20) per toothbrush (using costco coupons and MIR) otherwise I would have gotten the 1000.
There is more variation in the brushheads you use. I use the fancy one with the little rubber flossy things (still have to floss) since my teeth feel squeakier with that brushhead. Wait to buy brushheads until they go on sale at Sams/Costco. And the generic brushheads are crap.
Sams has the 1000 with a "you're pressing the toothbrush too hard" warning light for about the same price. Which would be a nice feature in your first brush.
Only a couple things to look for:
30 second "bump" timer, which is pretty much standard.
some type of feedback for too much pressure since you can destroy your gums (which is really, really bad) if you don't know what you're doing
You'll find yourself using less toothpaste since it is liquified so much better. Keep your mouth shut while brushing and don't pull the brush out of your mouth or you'll splatter toothpaste everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean in all the places your wife (the dentist) will find it after you think you've cleaned it all up...
$20 is about as a good a price as you'll find. It should last at least 2 years. I don't charge them every night nor leave the charger plugged in all the time. More like every couple days and only overnight.
