There are several different brands of machines, at several price points. For instance, the Accuquilt Go! is $349, and the Baby is $139. Or you could go with the Sizzix, which I'm less familiar with, and I believe it only cuts applique shapes.
You might check out the Yahoo group "pinsandneedles1". The owner of the group has the best prices I've found anywhere for dies! She can't sell the machines, but she sells everything else.
Also, check out Ebony Love's website and blog at
http://www.lovebugstudios.com/. She has a TON of information about dies, die cutters, and what to do with them.