BadgerBoy
Tenderfoot
First, the person that told you to figure out where YOU live and what type soil, areas, etc. that you'll be searching and then pick a detector style that matches your use and then pick a brand is dead on. Don't go buy a Surf Pro DI submersible beach detector if you're searching clay in Georgia or loam out west. 
That said, everyone always talks White's, Fisher, etc. but don't forget that the mid and upper level Bounty Hunter machines are quite capable and come with a five year warranty. They offer good customer support and the machines have many of the same features as the much more expensive units for less money. I've used them for years and, yes, you can spend more and get more but not, in my very humble opinion, the same features for the same money. If you're looking for a good, mid-priced machine with overall decent performance and ease of use, add that to your list for investigation. 
That said, everyone always talks White's, Fisher, etc. but don't forget that the mid and upper level Bounty Hunter machines are quite capable and come with a five year warranty. They offer good customer support and the machines have many of the same features as the much more expensive units for less money. I've used them for years and, yes, you can spend more and get more but not, in my very humble opinion, the same features for the same money. If you're looking for a good, mid-priced machine with overall decent performance and ease of use, add that to your list for investigation. 
