The problem is that the Amiga is expensive, that's a fact. But don't think of the SAM as being a computer like a PC is, it'll always lose. At the moment the Amiga hardware will always be slower and more expensive... but the point is a PC can't run AmigaOS (no, neither AROS nor MorphOS are AmigaOS). Think of it as being the only machine available that can run AmigaOS - which it is (at the moment). So it's only 800MHz? It makes little difference for most things.
If you want to get into the modern Amiga you'll have to bite the bullet, I'm afraid. But remember one thing - a loaded SAM system is much much cheaper than a high-end classic Amiga when it came out. In fact a loaded SAM is cheaper than an A500 when it came out, in real terms.
Buy a Sam 440. If you don't like it - sell it. The depreciation on them is tiny compared to most machines. I don't think you will though.....
That applies only if you for some reason have this weird notion that AROS and MorphOS would somehow be less "Amiga" than AmigaOS itself. For most parts they're equal. In some cases AROS and MorphOS surpass it. For now AROS doesn't have transparent 68k emulation and has less software, however.
MorphOS will soon (no, I won't be confirming any dates) be available for Mac mini G4. From any objective point of view that surely will be much more attractive as a "test drive" platform: You will be able to test MorphOS for free (the .iso will be available for download, just burn it and boot the mac off it by holding the 'c' key when powering up).
Additionally Mac mini G4's are everywhere: You're very likely to find one from your family or friends for example, in which case you can try MorphOS totally for free. If you like it, you can look into securing your own hardware.
