Change Table or Regular Dresser?

One of our first purchases when we were preparing for the arrival of our baby was the crib (review to come), after that it was the decision on the changing table. The crib we purchased had a matching change table in the nursery set, though it was more expensive than the actual crib. The change table was the Shermag Regency Changing Combo (Espresso) and costs $500 (cdn) at Babies R Us.
First let me say that the changing combo is nice and would have complemented the crib perfectly, and it seemed to be solidly constructed in comparison to a lot of other pieces we looked at in that price range.
But being budget minded (cheap!) I convinced my wife that we could get a regular dresser for half the price and it would do the same job. After some convincing she finally agreed, her main concern was the safety of the baby whilst on the change pad. As purpose built change tables generally have the frame on top that secure the change pad in place. Though personally, the fact that you should never leave your child unattended on the change pad (the harness strap does not cut it in my opinion) makes the frame non-essential.
So we opted for a six drawer dresser from Kent (Hardware Store) that was in the matching espresso trim. It was advertised as $200 but we got it on sale for $109. The dresser is the perfect height for changing the baby and is the exact width of the change pad. Thus saving us almost $400 on the changing table, which is what the crib cost us - perfect!
The purpose built change tables are great in that they are designed to secure the change pad and accommodate all the baby products and clothes. But they are not the only option, we got a great dresser that has more than ample storage and counter space for all our babies clothes and products and it cost us much less.
You can get cheaper change tables but the ones I saw were not the most solid and therefore may not last.

Our 'Change Table'

Matches perfectly with our crib