I've been using one of the Cuisinart 12-cup Grind & Brew models for about 4yrs now. I occasionally use the timer and it's never failed me but since it only takes about 10min. to brew a pot and the fact that the grinder is loud enough to wake me up I tend to leave it till I'm already away.
Cuisinart - DGB-550BK
I've got a starter table for you in my downstairs storage closet whenever you're ready.
I'll cut you a deal since we're close enough that I wouldn't have to ship it.
Yup, and often times with stuff like a Tivo or anything connected to a phone line if you don't have the phone line running through protection you can get zapped that way too. I've seen first hand a Tivo taken out by a surge through the phone line, wasn't pretty