The smaller one was about two full size briskets, maybe 3 smaller ones. Bark would go down when and where they would touch. Not bad at all, but trying to be as honest as can. There were still plenty of good bits to pick through. My old one was very similar to the newer Model SM009-2's controls and same in size to it and the 45.
New one will hold about the same or a little more than a Fast Eddie 100 likely 5-8 Briskets.
Yes, even without the electronics it was set and forget. I would load it and set the temp at about midnight, and only check to make sure there was smoke before going to bed. I would wake up, check temp, usually pull the meat off between 8:00 and 10:00 am, and be ready to feed by a 12:00 kickoff.
My new, older one, has a variable knob switch, rheostat not thermostat, so it takes a little more tinkering but nothing past the first hour or so to make sure temp is in range. Wife is getting me an iGrill for christmas, so may be back to even less work.
I used small bags of chips from walmart in the smaller one and use chunks in the larger one. One or two handfuls of chips was plenty in the smaller one, so even a small bag lasted a while. Limiting the other variables makes it possible to actually taste the difference in the wood used. I only use mesquite on brisket. Oak, apple, peach and likley my favorite are the Jack Daniels chips on pork and chicken.
Capacity bothered me on the smaller one, but I have fed 20-40 easily with sides so it is not bad at all. I just found myself being asked to occasionaly cook for others and larger crowds was the only reason I mover up in size. If your groups are 5-10 couples and their rug rats around a game with snacks and apps you will be fine. The church youth and football players can put a hurt on some BBQ pretty quick when it is only chips and sandwiches.
Feel free to IM with any questons if this does not answer them all. I looked at all kinds of rigs and set ups before finally ending up here.