I'm a firm believer in buying good tools -- particularly the type that you'll buy ONCE and use forever... I consider these "investments". A good compressor is worth every dime you spend on it every time you use it -- and will be worth as much as you paid for it - 15 years from now.
It's like buying a Snap-On wrench -- you only buy it ONE TIME and use it 'til you die. I'm thinkin' that's a pretty good buy.