You also want a plane that has some dihedral in the wing (meaning the wing is not flat but each wing tip is raised above the middle of the wing; roughlly 1-3 inches on each side; like a wide open "v"). This will give you characteristics that let the plane fly more gently, be a bit more self correcting etc.

I agree with you on the bi-planes though; can't beat 'em but wait until you get some flight experience under you. You'll appreciate them more if you can control them better.

Nuker