Couldn't you achieve the same with any standard Thermos mug? (<$10)
The Ember is ceramic, and apart from being a bit heavier, feels exactly like a normal mug.
Absolutely agree when I first got it as a gift it seemed like a solution looking for a problem, but actually using it has completely changed my perception of it.
I agree, the Thermos equipment is typically functionally rather than designerly, which I think the Ember is.