My first 3D printer

[curious aardvark]

well that's new.
Didn't see one at the tct show. Mind you after I'd nearly killed the mk3 we kind of avoided the prusa stand.

I presume the reason for the geared extruder is to use a smaller stepper motor and reduce weight of the gantry. Although running down the spec sheet - it's a bowden setup, so, no idea.

Yep got to say that's a good looking machine. It's the electronics he's using these days that sets them apart.
You've got a monoprice mini don't you ? Basically same design.

I always think you'll have issues with the long unsupported gantry, but obviously not.