Since we live in Portland have you considered buying a goat? :) If I was to buy a reel lawnmower I would choose a Gardena solely based on that it looks adorable.
I use this one. I don't have experience with others, but I like it well enough. The only thing is that I think with a gas powered mower, the blades would be blown up before being cut, and with this mower, if the blades of grass are laying flat, you have to kick them up with your foot so they can be cut. But for a tiny yard, I've been pretty happy with it.
We have the Fiskars 18" StaySharp. I'm not going to lie to you and pretend that I mow the lawn. But my husband does, and he has said this mower feels like it spoils him. Hot tip: get the additional clip on basket to catch your trimmings!