Help with selecting welder

[PHOENIX]

This is such a great board!

I am going to buy a welded soon.

I do not want to spend too much. I do not want to pay over $500.

I have been checking out the Lincoln Electric units. Because they are sold all over (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)

I would like to be able to plug it into a 110, but a 220 would not be a problem. But I probably do not need that much power.

I do not plan to weld anything thicker then 1/4" mild steel.

I think I will weld flux-core so I do not have to buy a tank and keep it filled. What are your opinions on flux-core over regular mig with a tank and gas?

This unit here:
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...eet.asp?p=7108
Is $327 from Lowes. From the info on www.lincolnelectric.com it seems as it would be good for me. What do you guys think? Please help me out here. I would hate to buy one then realize I shouldnt have paid an extra $100 for something better. I do not know much about welding, but I have some friends who will teach me and I will practice a lot till I get it down.
Any opinions or recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Ohh yeah about how much should I expest to spend per flux-core wire spool? How much weld can I get out of that spool, in inches?

This may be me if I buy the wrong welder ------->

Thanks!