I have had my Newair 280 for about a year now. One of the best purchases/investments I have ever made. Just to add to what has already been said...

1. I also did the baking soda/newspaper method and it completely removed all plastic odors in a few days.
2. I put electrical tape over the drain hole and have had no condensation issues at all since doing that.
3. I experimented with a fan at first and it did nothing to help even out RH in mine. It stays between 65-67 except for the bottom where it is closer to 60. That actually works out perfectly for me since I keep my cc's down there and want the RH to be lower anyway.
4. I went with the drawers as soon as I got it but I see no reason why the steel trays won't be fine for now.
5. I have about 5 lbs of beads distributed throughout and although some will say that is overkill I like it because the RH recovers very quickly even if I have the door open for a awhile

A word of caution...don't be too surprised if it fills up to capacity and you start contemplating building a 2nd one