Which Multimeter for newbie.

I recently bought a new Meterman 37XR. It includes inductance and capacitance functions and is easy to use. Still only $112 at tequipment.com.

http://www.tequipment.net/Wavetek37XR.html
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Whatever you do go digital. Analogs are difficult to read.

Try a pawn shop. I bought a $180 Fluke digital multimeter for $20. Sure it was used and a little beaten but function is 100%.

That's a great idea Entrope! I should replace my cheapie Radio Shack meter.

A multimeter (Fluke 73-3) is a part of my everyday life.
Analog meters are still used daily in many shops and there is nothing wrong them.
For home use once every blue moon... there's no need to spend BIG $$$ for a meter. (More than $50 is a waste of money)
http://www.byramlabs.com/amprobe_multimeters.php