It retains the fiber. Also, some claim that since you consume the whole fruit that you're getting more total nutrients--which I'd believe.
Basically, it's an ultra-badass blender that you can use for juicing & a whole bunch of other things. Whereas a good juicer will cost as much or more, and will only do one thing
It won't cost as much, as I posted above you can get a great juicer for $180, whereas the cheapest vitamix is about 380 at Costco.
I have the vitamix and it rules, but it doesn't really juice, and can't do wheatgrass. I would take the vitamix over a juicer if I had to pick, but maybe he's looking for a low cost alternative and wants to juice, and the Omega 8600 fits that need.