If you just want episode 2, you can guy it alone on steam for 30 bucks.
If you want team fortress 2 and portal, you can buy those for 30 dollars and 20 dollars each (respectively).
I was going to get Orange Box PC at Circuit City for $38 but they had none in stock. Then I called Fry's and they had it for $37. I came to the conclusion $37 is acceptable for Episode 2 and Portal even if I don't play Team Fortress 2.
And guys, PLEASE, keep track of the actual time spent in front of your PC when you talk finishing times. The game times mentioned don't reflect that.
(EDITED)
OK, just finished Episode 2 and Portal. Though I do feel average game time is probably more than 3.5 hrs, it's certainly not what I expected for the price they're charging. When it ended I was shocked it was already over, especially considering the last level isn't really playable. It actually feels shorter than Episode 1 to me.
That being said the gameplay is awesome and the outdoor environs spectacular. Portal was equally amazing to play and very challenging both mentally and physically. In fact I've yet to play the bonus material. I wonder if Valve will ever incorporate portals into a shooter game like Prey did.
Hopefully Episode 3 will pick up where 2 left off, I so wanted to fly that chopper.