I got one earlier this year and I love it.
Yes it does chop and blend. Yes you can make great soups, ice creams, custards etc. But it does far more than that.
It makes fantastic rice. It can steam fish, chicken. Boil, poach eggs. I threw out my breadmaker and now use the thermomix to make all my dough and pastry. I have even made meatloaf with it. It can make the prefect risotto. I have even made fried eggs without the oil.
If anyone would like any more info just ask I will tell you what I can.
The downside is that they are expensive just short of $2,000 but they are of a very high quality and will probably last you for life