many thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
Lots to think about but i'll be honest have been looking at mining with a pi so my go down that road - still need to get a pi so just waiting for payday and will then get started.
I'm based in the UK but appreciate the ebay links philipma....checking on UK ebay have seen 2nd hand USB miners going for around £15 which seems decent and thats the price I'm willing to pay.
May just go for a couple to start of with and see how I get on.
I am in the process of building a media pc so was thinking of using that for mining too so may add an ATi card in there which should help with mining - maybe either a R9270 or a 280
I guess its more of an interest but of course if I can make a little profit it always helps.
Again thanks for the advice