A decent blender can most definitely be had for under $100. I purchased this one -
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3946735 - several months ago from Wal-Mart, and it outperforms the "nicer" $120 blender I had before by a long shot. I namely use it for smoothies, and it grinds up ice very well, no chunks that get stuck in a straw, etc. I'm really happy with it so far, and have used it almost every day since I bought it back in February.
