hey su, you can get trial (student) versions that come with several different GIS textbooks available out there. the versions last anywhere from 180 days up to one year. they are fully functional arcview editions, some now with 9.3.1. check out amazon or places like that for the GIS books. and to buy a license version of arcView isnt near how much you said. you're thinking of an arcInfo license. i think arcview licenses are running around $1500 now. arcInfo is a pro upgrade for more spatial analyst and server tools.
peace,