The Matrix says:

If you put in a little work, you can get some decent coffee out of a simple drip machine (like a Mr. Coffee). For better quality, pay attention to the beans. Look for bulk coffee in the grocery store, and grind it yourself in the machines they have there. Even better, you can go to a coffee shop and buy beans that they grind for you.

The drip machine workflow is pretty simple: add water each time, put a filter in the machine, and pour in some ground coffee. The clean up is also simple: just dump the filter out and give everything a quick rinse rinse.

The easiest upgrade for a drip machine is a cheap digital scale to keep your proportions consistent. Also, look at high-end drip machines. They are more expensive, but will generally last longer, provide more features, and produce better coffee. If convenience is everything, check out pod machines.