I have a 1996 Bandera and a 2006 Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM). I bought my Bandera at Sam's in the winter and got a great deal on it; plus, it's better built than today's models. It's produced some great Q.
My reason for buying the WSM was that it's just my wife and me. While the Bandera can cook a heckuva lot more meat, it's a fuel hog and has to be tended every hour or so. That can be a good day with friends and beer, but more times that not I felt shackled buy it. Plus, after that much fire tending I was often ready for a Big Mac instead.
I debated buying a WSM for about a year mainly because.... it just didn't look cool like a big heavy guage smoker. Silly reason, but it's the truth. There, I said it. I know, looks don't affect the meat - guilty as charged.
Well, I've used the WSM twice and love it. I can cook ALL DAY on 10 pounds of charcoal and only have to check on it every four hours or so. It takes up less room in the garage (although I'm not giving up the Bandera). I suppose I'll only get out the Bandera for big jobs. Otherwise, the WSM is more enjoyable for me. Quicker fire-up time, longer smokes, less fuel, stable temps.
The best price is at
http://grill-doctor.stores.yahoo.net/18smmo.html