Has anyone tried the new 'smart machines' at Curves? These are supposed to be just like the original eqpt but they know who you are and tell you when you've reached your ideal heart rate, etc. I used to belong to Curves, a perk from my job, but got too busy. Now I'm hesitant to return with the equipment changes. Anyone have any experience or suggestions?

We don't have Curves here in India! We have other fitness clubs like Enigma, Fitness First and so on. Although through a few of my cousins in USA I have heard that Curves is supposed to be good.
Whats this new smart machines anyway?

The smart machines know who you are and what your target heart rate is to get the optimum work out. They 'encourage' you to reach that rate or work a little harder than you might otherwise. I think you can choose to use the 'smart' function or not.