For my first I bought a Walkera H1#b. it's not a bad little bird.
It is pretty tough so far, crashed 4 times, and it is easy to rebuild.
It's a full 120deg CCPM (electronic mixing, full collective/cyclic) so it flies like a real heli. Not as easy as a coaxial or fixed pitch.
But it is enough to learn on and keep flying through a more intermediate level.
Parts are now available through AirborneRC in Australia, Ehirobo, and xheli. I have bought from all 3 with good experiences.
The new version at Ehirobo (released today) is RTF and includes a 2.4GHz radio and RX. I bought mine in Jan and it is FM 72MHz.
http://www.walkera.com/en1/particula...=Z31%23B240104
here's the one I have, with plastic head and FM radio
http://www.walkera.com/en1/particula...pn=Z31%23B0104
The one bad thing about it is that the tail is a fan. and not belt driven, so it doesn't have that much authority. But it actually is pretty responsive. Also the gyro is rate only and not an advanced heading hold type.
The battery is pretty good quality (I have 2), and the included charger works well and balances very well. I've checked my batteries with a balancing circuit, and they don't need much if any.
The new version has a better weight balance. I had to remove my battery cage, and velcro my battery up front under the rx.
It also includes an all metal upgrade head, which may not be the best for a beginner.
I saw it advertised today for $119 RTF (includes everything except RX AA batteries).