auction prices vary WILDLY,some buyers do not research but buy on impulse or get caught in auction fever.
Absolutely true. I sell on Ebay regularly and there's little rhyme or reason behind the end sales prices. I've sold valuable items at a horrible loss and sold other items for more than I would pay for them.
Like one other poster stated, its a crap shoot.
But I've got to admit the 2500 wouldn't be one to attract me (and I can't understand the interest in 500s). A good 1200 or 4000? I wouldn't mind buying right now.
Beyond emulators, you've also got to consider the effect of the Minimig or the soon to be released Natami (or the PPC alternatives). Wouldn't you rather have a new and maybe more feature filled computer?