The Norman sounds like a great deal. I regularly jam with a guy who has one much like you describe -- but beat to heck. Still sounds good and plays well though.

I had my old cheap Yamaha fixed up a bit so I could take it on the road to art fairs.

I was also lucky enough to have found a good deal (at Elderly's) on a Bruce Weber Flatiron mandolin. I bought it earlier this year and have really enjoyed it.