Don't know about longer filter life etc....perhaps the more knowledgable could answer.... it should definitely fill faster...mine does about 2-3 gal hour.
Spectra pure is what we have (40gpd or something)...works great, screws right onto the faucet, nothing complicated. I also use it for my tropical fish and drinking water, coffee etc.... we also have super hard well water around here that will simply mummify everything it touches so I wouldn't be without mine.

PS Tried one of those water softeners first and it didn't work at all....cut out maybe 1/2 of the ppms in the water and ph was 10 in it.