Hand mixers

I would like to get my friend a hand mixer for her birthday. I have a stand mixer myself, so I haven't had to shop for a hand mixer. I know she would prefer this b/c she doesn't want to lose counter space and wants to be able to easily store this away in her cabinets. She is a beginner when it comes to baking. I am thinking about getting her the Braun Mulit Mix 4 in 1 or a Kitchen Aid, but can't decide which speed - 5, 7, 9. Does anyone have experience w/hand mixers or prefer a different brand or model? Thanks!

Cooks Illustrated says

The KitchenAid was the total package: powerful, quiet, controlled, and compact. It also came with one of the highest price tags: $79.99. The runners-up, Braun and Cuisinart, were cheaper by around $30, but lacked the KitchenAid’s finesse.

Consumer Reports, to my surprise, doesn't have a current rating for hand mixers.

The kitchenaid cooks illustrated is reviewing there is the 7-speed mixer, just an FYI to the OP.

gleam wrote:The kitchenaid cooks illustrated is reviewing there is the 7-speed mixer, just an FYI to the OP.

Thanks for the clarification! In case anyone else is interested, I did find these two articles:
Cooks Illustrated pdf Holidays 2006
Consumers Report Nov 2006

I am curious to know if Cooks Illustrated tested the 9-speed as well.

I would guess that they didn't test the 9 speed, but I note that they say it's the power that's important, not the number of speeds.

We've had a cuisinart for a while - it gets used every now and then, though A2Fay now prefers hand whisks. The motor weight is in front which makes it easier to handle and it ramps up gradually when you increase the speed which prevents getting stuff on your face and walls.

Thanks for all the feedback. I decided to go with the Kitchen Aid 9 speed b/c they had a great deal on their website - $59 w/4 attachments + $8 shipping. You also have a variety of colors to choose from.