That is very likely true given the current value of Bitcoin.  I probably will buy a couple hundred $ worth just for fun.  The mining idea sounds like a good excuse to buy some computer hardware/new hobby.  I'm also doing some research for a student club - they can't buy coins and engage in currency speculation, but they could plug in some servers and run them on campus.  They currently run a couple of webservers and a Minecraft server.  At least running some Bitcoin miners they might make some $ for their student club.  It will be a good lesson in economics if nothing else.  I will be running mine in my utility room.  I have three 20 amp circuits close by that I can use.  

This is my first post, but I have been doing a ton of research.  I work in IT so am pretty familiar with computer hardware and Linux.  I live in an area of the country where the power is 2.7 cents per Kilowatt hour.  There are lots of datacenters moving into our area for that reason.  I'd like to start doing some home bitcoin mining.  Mostly for fun, but given our low power rates maybe make a little money.   I've narrowed it down to maybe the Antminer S5 or the Spondoolie SP20.   On paper I'm comparing the stock power consumption and hashing rates.  It does appear that the S5 is a little more efficient and cheaper to begin with.  Is the SP20 better built?  Better firmware?  Basically looking for some input from people with more experience on which one to get.   On paper:

Antminer s5          1155 Gh/s  power consumption 590 watts  cost $341 ( saw someone post $249 where is that from?)
Spondoolie SP20    1700Gh/s   power consumption 1152 watts  cost $475

If the SP20 is much better built or considered more reliable or more configurable I might consider it, but am leaning towards the S5.

Any help much appreciated....

Thanks.