In reply to mad_machine:
i like how they always crop/photoshop out the second rotor in product images so you can't tell its a coaxial...
Grtechguy: quads have a fairly steep learning curve, i wouldn't recommend one for a first timer, or a second timer for that matter. when they crash, there is almost always going to be at least a prop replacement.
i'd say decide heli or plane, and go from there. the blade mCx is a nice little indoor coaxial heli that is super stable and easy to fly right out of the box. the heli tradeoff is going to be that the more stable, the less wind it can handle outdoors. even the a/c vents in the house are going to push the little micro helis around.
if you're leaning towards a plane, go to www.horizonhobby.com and check out the hobbyzone champ. $99 and it comes ready to fly, complete with batteries for the radio and everything. everything that you could break or need for them are cheap cheap. you can find batteries (1 cell lithium polymer 3.7v) for them for around $1-3 each online, and the planes take a real beating since they are so light. if you fly over grass, they can resist even a couple full throttle dives into the yard before much needs to be fixed. and when it does need repair, there isn't much superglue and packing tape can't handle.
you can check out the beginner aircraft area on rcgroups.com for other suggestions, but you really can't do much better than the champ for dipping a toe in the R/C flying water.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/champ-rtf-HBZ4900
