I would suggest that you also give Craig's list and Ebay a search for an Alto cutting system. I got mine and one for my mother (after she saw mine she wanted one) for the same price as buying a single new one. Both systems were in wonderful condition. My mother's came with a vhs tape (think her's was the Alto 1). Mine didnt come with a video, however mine was basically new, the previous owner had opened the box and that was it.
I have only gotten to use the system a couple of times so far but after repositioning the cutting mat (it was off just a smidge), it made cutting strips much easier. I am excited to get some time in the future and really give it a go with angles and such.