im a beginer, well, in the way someone who hasnt begun is a beginer i guess. i would like to start with a relatively inexpensive m. detector(less than 400 dollars) any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the forums! Take a look at the Garrett Ace series or the Fisher F2 or F4. They are in your price range. As others have mentioned, consider getting a Garrett Pro-Pointer, it will speed up your recovery time dramatically.