I'd say if you have the $500+ for a HW extractor, go ahead and get it. The PC can come along the lines, maybe even this year, and you can get away with $200 for the unit and pads.
While I typically cannot get the same results by hand, you could just spend more time attempting to get those results. Tough call, but if you feel you have the use for a high dollar extractor, "get'er done!"