Complete newbie to the group, and somewhat of a newbie to smoking. Bought
the real inexpensive Brinkman charcoal smoker this past spring, used it
about 8 times throughout the summer. Tried brisket fairly quickly, and
although it wasn't as tender as I think it should've been, IMO, it was
"decent"...

Anyway, I'm hoping that I can get some help here. Also hoping I don't get
flamed too harshly, but, I've been around usenet for quite a while and the
skin's gotten tough over the years, so I suppose I can take it.

Anyway, I've really enjoyed using the smoker. I also really enjoy grilling.
My gas(should I duck now?) grill is about shot, and it's time to buy
something new. I prefer gas for the grill simply because of the quick
heating and very high temps I can get. Although, I have to admit, I've
never tried a charcoal chimney(is that the right word?) nor have I tried
lump...

What I'm wondering is, is there a grill/smoker combo that I could get that
would be at least "decent", and here's the kicker... in the $300-$500
range?

I don't know what anyone's opinion is on the Char-Griller Super Pro
Grill/Smoker is, but would it be possible(and worthwhile) to take something
like that, convert the grill portion to gas, and then add the side fire box
to use it as a smoker?

Or would I be better off to get a good 3-4 burner grill, and use it "like" a
smoker, using just one burner with the meat set off to the side?

Again, just hoping to get some good ideas here. I don't have a lot of space
to use, or store, so I'm hoping to be able to combine the two if at all
possible.

Thanks!