It is the hope you can exercize pride of ownership and answer your own question 10 years from now with a resounding yes.  Washing machines are a radical departure from what we knew and the top load has changed the most.  One advantage for sure is lowered water bills and hopefully less laundry additives to affect the smaller water levels.  Not so many American dirty their clothes while presperation, odors and an occasional drip or spill is the norm.  The worst among them can usually do an adequate job under those circumstances.  Nuances are in ease of use, intuitive controls, quiet operation and better water extraction meaning shorter drying times.  The down side for nearly all brands both top and front load is increased wrinkling making "did I make a good choice with my new iron" a more common follow up question.  My washer is 39 years old so I can't speak directly to your question of latest technology washing machines but I can say with assurance my GE experience with new range, refrigerator and dishwasher was very good.  Furthermore online and telephone access to scheduling your own appointments with GE makes picking the time best for you easy.  In most cases GE comes the next day and once even came the same I day I  scheduled on line.  Owning GE personally and being in property management for 11 years gave me many opportunities to experience brands, sellers and those who service what we choose.  My sense is that if you release everything you ever thought about washing machines and simply open the door at the end of the cycle you'll do well with your new machines.  Keep us posted, these events are almost like "births" in which we all share and love to watch these machines age through the years.  Just like planning ahead for the needs of your family I would advise anyone buying new appliances to purchase an extended warrantee while they are available and inexpensive.