I remember when I took the plunge and bought my first micro, I didn't know what to expect, AVR butterfly, I never could get anything to work. 100 bucks down the drain.
Then I found Basic stamps, love them, they do everything I want, and are easy to work with. I guess, if you are not comfortable potentially blowing good money on something you know nothing about, its safer sticking with what you know will work.
By the way, anyone want a cheap never been programmed AVR butterfly?