I dont know the exact prices , i'm in South Africa but in aussie , the spirit 25 w is Aus$25000 and the Mercury is $20k , 26% difference.
The spirit is a lot faster and will pay the differential quickly as its way more than 25% faster
I find the Spirits the best machines we have run so far and do all the critical work on them (I also have 3 Explorers)

The other thing to consider when considering "older Technology" is the computer. You can not even get a new computer with a parallel port any more although you can still get add on cards. But for how long?

The other thing to look at is the operating system XP / Vista be sure that the drivers are compatible with both there will come a time when you will not be able to get XP any longer it may be a few years but it will happen if the system is only compatible with XP and two years from now you need a new computer and can not get XP on it then what good will the laser system be?

Just something to think about.

Dear people,

thank you all for your comments; you can be sure that every message posted under this thread was taken into serious consideration.

Thank God, today I managed to get a VERY GOOD PRICE for a Spirit 25W machine from the domestic representative!

So, I wish good work and profits to all of you. Yet, we all have to admit that there is NOTHING MORE VALUABLE THAN GOOD HEALTH.

Till I get the machine in about 15-25 days, have a creative time all of you.

Thanks again.

Yasoo Re ! :D

Regards
Peter

Congratulations on the acquisition, now the 15 - 25 days will seem like an eternity. Have fun and start dreaming up items to engrave once it gets here.
;-)