Buying a budget laser cutter for cutting acrylic, wood, etc.

Would really appreciate your help. I would like a laser cutter to cut acrylic and wood. I wondered if anyone has any experience of any of the more budget laser cutters such as the 40w ones? I would be using to to cut acrylic no more than 3mm thick. I've read dozens of reviews of models ranging from £200 to £1500 mark but I was hoping I might find an intro model for less than £500 to do tests, etc. but obviously I want it to be safe. Also I would love to know if anyone has found one that can be used with Adobe Illustrator (and ideally on an Apple Mac) as it looks like most require Corel Draw and a PC. Forgive me I've posted in the wrong place.