The convertion is well worth the money in my books. But then again I did it to my T2000 frame. If you're mechanically inclined at all and you have the tools, you will save some money. My convertion was just under $300 for a BB7, fork, Deore hub and A719. I did all the work myself except for cutting the steering tub on the fork.

The biggest advantage is your stopping ability in rain. I live in Vancouver - it rains a lot here. Plus, it saves my rims. The [rim] brakes are hell on your rims in wet conditions. I would normally be changing rims about every year and a half (front and back) otherwise.

The convertion will pay for itself in that time period.