best espresso machine for a new user for home

[gsnake]

I am sure this question came up many times but for some reason the search function does not work for me (new user thing?). So, I watched these videos how one buys $500 machine and upgrades it to a $5000 machine, etc.. I like this idea and I am a handy guy. I am not into shiny and nice looking machines, just want to get a heavy duty one that I can upgrade later (when I know more about the subject).. Does not have to be 500 but preferably not over 1000..