skinny on which detailing machines/products

[jjj]

okay
since its hard to get broad detailing info out of anyone here Ive gathered the following info:

1. machine detailing methods and pads:
if the paint is not too f*@#ed up- Lake Country, OEM-Style, CCS Technology, 6.5 inch Foam Pads seem to be the most popular
and since im not entering a car show i sounds like the white pad with a polish-
glaze can be used too but more for body shops(compound 1st with different pad -orange i think if really krappy paint)

and then black pad used with wax (more shiny but doesnt last as long)or sealant (lasts longer than wax but some say not quite as shiny--most likely bs. most likely no major shine difference)

far as products: use first polish/glazes, then wax/sealant
who really has time and energy to go through 6 steps with different pads/products unless they are entering a car show??? most of us just want to cost effectively get our paint in great shape and white pad with polish then black pad with wax/sealant is more fine.

it seems that seems like waxes and sealants bought in stores (walmart etc are half price as those bought on all the websites-autopia and others recommended here) but i cant find any polishes to be used with the white pad first, except on the stupid websites.

can anyone recommend cheapest and best polishes and waxes (for machine) that can be bought in stores please


the big players in detailing machines are

flex xc3401 vrg orbital polisher-around 279
ultimate detailing machine--around 129
pc 7424/7336-around 129 also
and the quality is in that order too, but i cant see $150 extra unless its a phenominal machine or its going to be used in a detailing shop or something and im sure the flex is better, but i doubt $150 better for the average person.
comments???