I have the anime on VHS. It's a 6-episode OAV, a length paling in comparison to the 13-volume manga. I absolutely can't wait to get my mitts on the manga (although the company that translates it has only gotten to Volume 7), but in the meantine, I'll throw in my comments on the anime.
It doesn't break any real new ground in the basic plot and characterization department, but the story is so touching and the characters themselves are so three-dimensional, so real, full of emotion, and easy to relate to that the stereotypes are barely noticeable, or at least jarring. The comedy and tearjerkers fuse together like magic. You'll laugh and cry all throughout. And for the seiyuu junkies, Ai Amano, the video girl, is voiced by none other than Megumi Hayashibara.
The main "flaw" in the series everyone seems to complain about is the ending, which they claim is rather inconclusive. Admittedly, the final events that take place are somewhat disappointing and open to interpretation...or maybe...ah, I guess it depends on how you look at it.
On a little side note: my favorite character is Yota. So darned cute.
Anybody else care to share their feelings?