Look at the features provided by all radio manufacturer's and buy the one that fills the bill for you. I don't understand why people recommend a specific radio manufacture to a beginner, as this is simply based on their own personal bias. My opinion is they are all probably equal in quality, durability and usability. A more important point, is compatibliity with your instructors radio as this is the radio you will link with through a buddy cord.

By simple popularity, I would say Futaba is the leader, followed by JR, then HiTec and/or Airtornics. There are other radios available too.

My reccommendation is to get with a club and find someone to teach you how to fly, then buy what they will recommend.