If i just wanted it to run decent.............i would have got a 3310 or 6777 off of ebay and been done with it. I'm greedy! I want more, and i want to learn more even if it cost me money (that I don't have right now). But $20 buck i can swing.
Great attitude!
Nothing came easy for me either. I was always too broke to be real effective, but did have invaluable help.
I had to improvise constantly, but the education was priceless! Stay motivated.