Do you have a specific target you want to make? If so you should ask on one of the 3d printing forums "would an original makerbot be suitable for _x_".

If not, then an original makerbot would be a good first unit. From what I can tell, great community support which will help you figure out what you need.

As a person who has built their own CNC from a kit, I can tell you that these things are not like "printers for things" as much as they are a really complex tool that you will need to learn how to calibrate and use just like any other hobby.

I've had my CNC for 6+ months and only now am I getting to the point of getting usable (detailed) results from it. Mind you I'm milling PCB's which have a relatively low margin of error, but still.

Machining is it's own hobby (or trade, or profession) and takes time to learn.