I moved from an ECB bullet to an offset Brinkman with a vertical box 7-8 years ago. I used it a lot and I'm pretty sure it was around $350. Just googled it and I think I had a Smoke King Delux.
Having said that, I am thinking about replacing/rebuilding the firebox because the lid has rusted through from the outside, the door vents have been rust frozen for years, and the bottom of the box it pretty thin. Realize, this is Houston and we have tons of rain as well as humidity, so if you live in a drier climate, you might not have as many problems as I did.
All in all, I got some really good years, but not a lifetime like the others have said for the really well built ones.
Now using a Hasty Bake which was expensive, but built like a battleship and you can move the firebox up and down to smoke, bake, or grill. I like it a lot.