They're called a vacuum pot or coffee syphon -- I have the Hario Nouveau and they do make a great cup of coffee. That said, it seems to me that the main function is to be a little piece of coffee performance art. You definitely won't be making your morning cup in this thing. Mine has a little alcohol burner, rather than requiring stovetop use like in the video (have to preheat the water first, though). This makes it great for an after-dinner cup at the dining room table or coffee table at a dinner party. It's a fun little conversation piece and, in skilled hands, quite comparable to what you can do with a french press.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hario Nouveau

I use an electric version every day. They're not just for show, they make a great cup of coffee and are easy to use.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bodum Santos electric