Compared to some of the Kickstarter projects yes it's still pricey. Having said this, from my experience Makerbot make an extremely reliable, well made printer. If you want something that's proven and has a track record and multi billion dollar company behind it this is a great device if in your price range. Makerbot seems to be trying to develope awesome printers as well as an entire econsystems for them to thrive in. For instance Thingiverse and their upcoming mobile apps.