Honestly, if you have a small budget, you may want to reconsider this hobby! You can get things cheap, but at the same time, the quality isn't going to be there. You don't just need a lathe, you need turning tools. Then you'll need a grinder or some way to sharpen those tools. You'll need drill bits, bushings, some way to cut your blanks, etc., etc., etc.
As far as lathes, I'd try to find a fellow turner close to you who has one for sale and get a used one. I got a nice turncrafter pro with the extension for $100 used from another IAP member who lives close to me. And as far as turning tools are concerned, you can get cheap chinese steel tools from Harbor Freight for almost nothing, but you'll want better ones once you've got the hang of things and learned what you're doing. And untill you have a way to sharpen your own tools, you can probably find someone to do it for you, but that's if you're not turning a whole lot. If you end up turning for hours on end, then you'll need something of your own so you can sharpen often. You'll want to keep your tools sharp. Another option would be to find some tools that use the carbide inserts. Then you could just replace the blades instead of sharpening, but that may not be any cheaper in the long run...
Anyway, I digress. I can't speak to the rockler lathe, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my turncrafter pro. If you really want to go cheap, you can get a drill press from harbor freight and a drill press lathe attachment from grizzly. I got my drill press at 50% off with a coupon, so I paid about $40 for it and I paid $20 for my attachement. It wasn't the best setup, but it got me up and running and I was able to focus on technique and learn how to turn pens and was able to upgrade my lathe later on down the road.
I'm not trying to steer you away from the hobby, but I'm serious when I say that it takes more money than you realize. I'm 32 and I feel like I can barely afford it!!
But if you are serious about it, then start putting some tools and accessories on your birthday and Christmas wish lists. Start with something affordable and work your way up. If you're going to wait until next year, then you've got time to save up.
Oh, and welcome to the IAP HARRY!!!!!