[Trippynet]

My advice:

1) Patience is key with this if you want to score a nice system for a sensible price.

2) Check eBay/CraigsList regularly, or set up an automated search. There are a number of systems at silly prices, but also some genuine bargains do crop up from time to time.

3) "Maxxed out" systems almost always fetch a major price premium, try to aim below maximum spec if you want a decent price. Remember, you can always upgrade later! Same goes for buying from the likes of Mashek etc. If you go for a more modest spec initially, you'll get it for *much* cheaper.

4) Post in "Wanted hardware" here, and also keep an eye on the forum in general. People here do often decide to sell systems on - and you'll usually get a pretty fair price if it is from someone on this forum.

5) You could also speak to Ian Mapelson at SGI Depot. He's based in the UK, but does ship worldwide (using bomb-proof packaging) and his more middling-spec systems are priced pretty reasonably. He might be able to line you up with a nice starter system for a pretty decent price if the shipping costs aren't too high.