If you are looking for a good setup that will get you out ion the air I would go with Yeasu for a mobile the FT-2800, and if you want a hand held the VX-170.
The Ft-2800 has 65 watts output and will be around $117 new I think radio city might have deal on them right now too.
The VX-170 is a very good handheld and is water proof up to 3 ft it is the one i have and I love it, that one will run about $120
One more thing if you are serious about getting your lisense it might be helpful to get the radio before you take your test so you can listen and get a feel for how people talk on there and how nets are run etc.....
Hope to hear you on soon