I've used both the Braun 3d and the current sonicare. I have a strong preference for the sonicare. It feels like there is a lot more cleaning going on and it does a noticeably better job of cleaning two difficult areas (due to recession) in my mouth.
My girlfriend, a dental hygenist, says that some people get poor results when they move from braun to sonicare. She says she has to 'work with some patients' when they switch to the sonicare, implying to me that there is a technique problem. I can't imagine what it would be. It seems straightforward. She thinks the sonicare is a better product.
I looked at the sonicare elite yesterday. It has a row of lights which I assume indicate the battery charge. This should fix the 'dying in mid brush' problem that sat4fun pointed out.
Here is some propaganda on the elite:
The new Sonicare Elite, with superior cleaning technology, makes excellent oral hygiene even easier to achieve. Its patented second generation sonic technology uses a combination of high frequency bristle motion and dynamic cleaning action. The Sonicare Elite's new slim, angled neck and tapered brush head focuses powerful cleaning action in hard-to-reach interproximal, subgingival and posterior areas to remove 20% more plaque. Its contour-fit bristle design surrounds teeth for precision cleaning, and a new ergonomic grip improves brushing maneuverability. The Sonicare Elite also features new, dual brush speeds, allowing users to switch between High for optimal brushing power, and Low for sensitive areas, tongue brushing and gum massage.