Hi,
If you are really on a super-tight budget, you could do no worse than this I reckon:
http://www.needledoctor.com/s.nl/sc.9/category.-109/it.A/id.852/.f
The Audio-Technica PL 50 - The top of the bottom of the line!
Pros: Fully automatic; has a built-in phono preamplifier (you need a phono preamp if you have a cheap amplifier made after 1980 without a "phono" input jack); best sound you can get for USD74.50 and above
Cons: No option for changing the cartridge (you can change the stylus needle though); for CD-beating sound, you really need to get a Pro-ject Debut or Rega Planar 2 (plus a decent phono preamp) turntable.
Like I said before, best option especially in the US, is to get good pre-owned starter decks on ebay. Ebay is full of Rega Planar 2s and 3s. Buy one with a cartridge (the square bit with the needle on the end) already installed, add a Hagerman Bugle phono preamp:
http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html, plug it into your amplifier's "Aux" input, slap on a record, enjoy!
BTW - The Rega Planar 3 was (alongside being a veterinarian!) a childhood dream of mine. Simple and beautiful - and they come in a rainbow of colours. I truly envy all of you who live Stateside. Everything is available on-line and most Ebayers deliver "United States only"!
Good luck and happy hunting
Jim