I personally feel that when it comes to baitcasters, you have to spend a little more than you would to get a comparable spinning outfit (quality, function). I'm not even tallking durability here, just simple hassle-free operation. Many of the cheaper baitcasters will give you fits from overruns. You may become frustrated and find yourself feeling its not worth the hassle to use a baitcaster. This would be a shame because BC's are really the only way to go when throwing bigger baits (3/4 oz+) or even moderate size (3/8 oz+). You seem to get better cranking power due to the line going directly onto the spool rather than having to make a 90 degree angle at the bail arm. If you ever plan on flippin/pitchin big jigs and creature baits into thick cover, a BC will give you these advantages: better power in a smaller, lighter package for moving the fish out of the sticks in a hurry, more accurate casting ability when you educate your thumb to apply just the right ammount of pressure at the right time, and the fact that casting rods are typically heavier action than spinners means better leverage when dealing with brutes.
I also find that I have less problems using heavier line with BC's than with spinners. I still love spinning reels for lighter applications like drop/split-shotting small plastics, 1/8-1/4 oz. spinnerbaits and small Rapalas (#3-5). Hopefully, this also answers a few questions for Fishergirl as well.
I started off with a cheap Shimano (since gotten rid of) and quickly moved to a Citica which really got me hooked. I have since bought better BCs but still use the citica at times because I like the way it handles.
Again, opinions will vary and this is just my take on things. We all operate within the confines of what we can afford and I really hope that you have a good experience with your first outfit. They are addictive though as you will want one for this application and another for a different one. Now that shimano has come out with these blazin' 7:1 curados and citicas, I may need to add yet another for buzzbaits! Yikes...it never ends.
Best of luck and keep at it.