If you don't "NEED" one right now, then put off picking one up until next fall. I bought my JJ at Target this past year when they started blowing out all of their grilling stock at the end of the season. I think I paid around $18-19 for it. At that price, its worth the gamble to see if it works for you.
So far, all I have really used mine for is searing and appetizers a few times. We also used it for tailgating once where I cooked a handful of burgers and some sausage. For those applications, it has worked awesome. It would be a great tailgater/travel grill though. The Weber mini chimney fits inside perfectly. When tailgating.......I tossed some newspaper in the bottom of the grill, then the charcoal grate. Then filled the charcoal grate with Kingsford blue, tossed in the cooking grate (a new hinged grate I also picked up from Target for next to nothing), followed by the mini chimney and a pack of matches. Close the lid, lock the bail, and presto.......a perfect self contained travel grill. I don't use it much, but I'm glad I bought it.