Terry Solomon has an excellent video discussing entry level detectors. White's Coinmaster, Garrett Ace Series, Fisher F2, Tesoro Cibola are probably the most common entry level machines.
I owned an ACE 250 and absolutely hated it. Just to schizophrenic for me. Plus I really did not like the various tones. Yes, there are lots of 250 fans, but that's by no means universal.
I've never used a Fisher machine, but it has a good reputation.
I do have a Coinmaster. Not as indecisive on metals that don't fit the 8 notches perfectly. The cursors sits on iron when nothing is going on. Good depth and for coin-sized objects the depth meter is reasonably accurate. The arm cup is not as sturdy as I'd like, but if you are not pushing dirt/woodchips around with the coil this should not be an issue.
The Tesoro Cibola is drop dead simple to use...only one control. But don't confuse this with a kid's machine. It's a first rate performer and the least expensive. The fact that it does not have a display is not a disadvantage. You need to learn to what a detector's sounds are telling you anyway...nothing better for doing that then not having a display. Tesoro has a lifetime warranty that is second to none.
If you are looking at the used market...well your options for your budget go up to dozens and dozens of machines.
