The Blade CP is also an option, but I'll let someone who has it speak on that one. I have the Axe CP (my first and only chopper) and it's working out great so far. The three biggest complaints for the Axe are that the stock batteries are terrible, that replacement parts are to come by, and that they're also expensive. Since I live 15 minutes away from a hobby shop that stock parts I can only really agree with two of the complaints.

Although the stock batteries aren't very good, they're well-suited for learning how to hover. Expect to just making it off the ground and landing a lot. In this learning period, batteries can last up to 20 minutes. But as you improve, to the point where you're comfortable with the hover, the NiMH batteries can used continuously really only for 4 or 5 minutes.

Parts are comparatively expensive for the Axe. Tail blades for the Blade CP, for example, cost half (maybe a fourth) those for the Axe CP. There's nothing special about them - they're entirely compitabile and those who have used them say they're exactly the same. [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5579975/tm.htm]This thread[/link] discusses alternate parts for the Axe.

Oh yeah, the trainer mode on the transmitter is only good if you have an instructor to hook up a cable to it. You can also use that cable port to hook it up to your computer if you want to use an R/C simulator as well. You should check out [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5826029/tm.htm]this slightly heated thread[/link] on different approaches to learning. There are a lot of good points in there to be considered. Have fun!

EDIT: I forgot to mention other options as well. There is a Sabre RTF that has fixed pitch (the Blade and Axe mentioned here have CP, collective pitch) and I hear it's a bit easier to fly since that is one less feature you have to think about. There's also coaxial choppers (no tail rotor and 2 counter-rotating blades) to consider as well. Check out the second forum thread posted for that debate too.