I got one for Christmas this year. Altos ran a special on their website. I got the cutting system, the carrying case and shipping for $270. They said the cases were seconds, for instance the logo might be off center, Mine is hardly noticeable. I did the same research and watched for some time to see if I could find one on sale or used. And I didn't have any luck, they don't seem to come up second hand very often. I have to say, this made me feel better about spending the money, figuring people must love them if they aren't reselling them.