I have a line6 flextone which is basically a pod with speakers- it's great I haven't found too many tones that I can't copy and I have come up with some great ones of my one. It's really great for home recording as well. It is very easy to use you will not be dissapointed . Consequentally, I was getting ready to put down some big cash for an expensive tube amp but after I plugged in the flextone and saw it's flexible effects,tones,amp models etc.. compared to the Marshall's and boogies I tried I really couldn't see spending the extra money to get less.
I would still like to have a nice tube amp yes but I haven't felt limited in any way so far.

I also have the bass pod and love this little beast. It's great for jamming with headphones. I've done it while riding in the car on long trips I wish I had the Pod for the same kind of electric jam sessions.