Its basically like picking from a chevy and ford. I myself bought the aquapod, so you know where my vote is. Nano cube, comes in different packages, that is customizable, aquapod has 2 main packages- 1 w/HQI lights the other compact flourescents. Aquapod actually holds more water in the main tank, and has only 2 compartments in the back filter tank. Nanocube has three and a cool hood. Aquapod made of glass. Nanocube made of acrylic. The best thing for you to do is, go down to your LFS and put both aquariums next to each other and compare them. As for the "cheesy construction" on the aquapod, well they werent the ones being recalled on its first introduction. Nanocubes first intro's started cracking at the bow area causing many nano reefers dispair.
So again its basically picking a chevy or a ford.
Heres a couple of sites to check out. JBJNANOCUBE CURRENTAQUAPOD