Advice needed on buying a Pool Table

[FionnMac]

Ok guys, i need some general advice on buying a cheap-ish pool table for a student house.

1. Where is the best (for value, and reliability) place for buying a table? Online @ ebay/amazon, specialist online shops, or a local store?

2. Would you reccomend getting a new or 2nd-hand table?

3. How important is a slate bed?

4. What are the other good quality features/materials to look out for?

5. My budget is about £600-800 btw, and i probably want an American pool table (rather than english) even though i'm from the uk.

Cheers