<p>I hear that heated beds can help with removing finished prints, but not all printers have them! </p>

<ul>
<li>Is this a nice to have or must have feature? </li>
<li>Are there any downsides to heated beds?</li>
</ul>

It can help with bed adhesion. However, most 3D printing plastics will warp without a heated bed (since they shrink as they cool). ABS is notorious for this, although PLA is not so bad, and you can get away without a heated bed for small parts. ABS is so sensitive that you may need a heated (or at least draught-proof) enclosure, as well as a heated bed. If you are considering buying a 3D printer, it is best to get one with a heated bed, unless you are on a very restricted budget. If you buy a printer without a heated bed, you will soon realise that you need one.