I went to a sale at Wood Werks in Columbus,OH and they had manufacturers reps there including a Festool rep. He demonstrated the popular machines (Rotex, TS55, 1400 router, CT22 and MFT). When I told him I was considering an ES 125 sander, he went over to their display, grabbed the sander, plugged it in and let me try it out. He answered all my questions and even gave me a few pointers on getting the most from the tools. I would say that if you have questions or want to try out a tool you should go and talk to the rep. If you know what you want, you might as well save your vacation time and order the tools.
Wood Werks is having the same show this weekend, but because I have to work I will go next weekend to Woodcraft in Dayton and talk to the rep there.
Tom.