This is the absolute best advice that could be given to you, short of the advice given earlier about taking a class. The only thing I would add is that when he says name brand, that does not mean Harbor Freight or something you see advertised in a car magazine. Those machines are imported and essentially disposable machines. When you have any trouble, no matter how minor, be prepared to throw them away, because parts are difficult to impossible to find.
On the class - there is a whole lot more to welding than just melting some metal together with smooth technique. You could probably figure out most of it yourself eventually with trial and error and reading, but taking a class will dispense with the frustration and wasted time, and give you the confidence to hit the ground running, not to mention walking into a welding supply store like you know what you are doing.