I too just recently made the transition from coaxials (Big Outdoor Lama) to fixed pitch (Falcon 40) to collective pitch (Blade 400). If you eventually want to do 3D or just sexy flying in general, I suggest you go straight for the Blade 400 and tone down the factory settings (throttle curve, pitch curve, and dual rates - you can do this in the Tx so it is very easy).

From the POV of a beginner, the Blade 400 is a fire breathing monster with the factory settings, but is also amazingly docile and stable if you just tone down the above mentioned parameters. Once you do this, it is pretty easy to fly. Not sure how much money you have to spend, but value-wise I think it's hard to beat.

Edit:
Or, as gnd2 said, just fly what you have. The RADD Flight School site is really good. Those lessons show you how keep a helicopter in one spot, which is crucial when learning to fly (and land).