I bought mine off Amazon through Fabric Hut (as the merchant) for around $210. They are frequently around that price (usually up to $230 with Fabric Hut) on Amazon. I have used the sample die (two squares and half square triangles), but I don't like having all the shapes on one die necessarily.
Unless you want a lot of fabric waste, you have to cut the fabric down to just a little larger than the die shape you're cutting, so I have decided that I will just use my rotary cutter for squares and rectangles. I'm going to have to cut the fabric to pretty much the die size anyway, so why not just do it from the beginning.
However, for odd shapes, like tumblers, hexies, circles, I think it's a great tool for consistent cutting so you always have the right size. I think they have some really neat applique dies as well. I also have the strip cutters high on my wish list because I HATE cutting longish strips for binding and jelly roll/honeybun quilts, and I think this will make that a more endurable process.
I've cut my fingertip and had a couple of close calls with my rotary cutter...and I can't hold a ruler straight and still to save my life, so I really like the ease and accuracy of the Accuquilt. It also keeps my fingers out of the blades too, which is an added plus.
I do think it's a matter of personal preference. If you're doing high volume cutting, or have hand/wrist problems that make rotary cutting more than a minor pain, it's quite possibly a great tool. If you can't stand the thought of fabric waste, proceed with caution. I'm planning on using all my scrappy pieces for stringy quilts, mug rugs and mini-quilts though, so "waste" is in the eye of the beholder.