I have an Everlast powerplasma 50 and its a great machine... will cut up to 3/4-7/8 steel. Cost me 600 or so dollars. I also have a had an everlast TIG for over a year and I use it a alot, its a great machine. The everlast welders are about the best of the import welders and you can talk to the guys at everlast directly.
Honestly, for the price, im not impressed with the hypertherm machines...weve had plenty of problems at work with both our hypertherms. Id spend my hard earned money twice on an everlast machine, before Id spend it on a hypertherm.