I just saw this for 1st time … kewl 
I have one, but don’t ride as much as i used to… they are a lot of fun, but if yer a noob, get one with a brake.
$500 is alot. You can find one for $300 and be just as good. I was looking into getting one but then I got into unicycling and dont regret it at all. I think mongoose has them for a good price too.
Actually, Sierra Trading Post has some closeouts for US$130:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.99877/dept_id.L2~7452/qx/product.htm
Don’t buy a mongoose. they suck! Get a flexible deck one, and don’t get something really crappy because you will really regret it. You get what you pay for.
oh well im not going to get one anyway. Muni is more atractive to me. It would just be a new thing to spend alot of money on that I dont really need.