Here are a few things I would suggest:
ID L- Only for the committed people as it can get pricey. Think somewhere between 60-100, I got mine for 75 with EMS shipping. It has a lot of good points also. It's in a really nice vivid color screen, new characters, so many locations, you'll never get bored,a matchmaker like place to carry on the generations, and download options*. Some new things you can do are eat at different restaurants and cafes, dress your tamagotchi up when it's an adult at the tamamori, go to the shop (tama depa), go to the park, get a pet, and lots more. There are also some downsides. I would say it has moderate neediness, so not too bad, not like a music star or anything, and if you like the old, nostalgic, characters, this version gets rid of almost all of them. Keep these in mind when making your decision.
V4- This a fairly simple tama, with enough complexity to keep you interested. This would be my pick for beginners. In this version, you can get a job, go to school, and there is a shop. There are enough games so that it doesn't get repetitive, because you unlock them overtime. You can also get on to the V4 tamatown, which is my favorite version of tamatown. You can get these for really cheap used, or new for around 20-25. I got a new one for 20$. The characters are cute (at least in my opinion
), and you can carry on the generations because of the matchmaker. Simple, good features, nostalgic, but just enough to keep you interested.
V3- I do not have one, but they sound like a very good version. From character charts, there is definitely a wide variety, and are they are cute. There is a matchmaker, a shop, and V3 tamatown, but no jobs or school. This tam is apparently very easy care. Good if you are pretty busy. Price for these are pretty cheap, any where for 5$ used and 20 new.
P1/P2- These are if you really want to get nostalgic. Simple, cute characters, no shop, no matchmaker, and one game. Pretty simple, but from mixed reviews, I would say it is moderate care. There are not a lot of characters, but they are all cute. Good, simple, tam. (I do not own one of these either, but I researched it at mimitchi.com and pixelmood.com. try there for more info on vintages.) These are an okay price. Used at 20-30$, New 30-70$.
These are my recommendations to you, and I hope you find the perfect tam!
* If you do get the id l, the download files can be found at tama zone, and info on what they are and how to get them to your tam can be found here on tamatalk and at tamazone.
Hope I helped!