Hmmm, not so sure about all this, but I would add an addendum: Do not buy garage sale/ebay/craigslist/online retailer regulator unless you want to impress the recovery diver by how frugal you were just before it quit working. I dove an Aqualung Micra for years but had to travel an hour and a half one way to have it serviced because I ordered it online and no one in my area (small rural community) was certified to work on them. When I got to a dive site several months later and tried to dive it, it was very wet....they left out a piece or two while putting it back together...I immediately went to the closest (only) local shop and bought one of their regs, which they registered and service conveniently close to home.
really? maybe? could be? In my youth, I dove a Tekna regulator that after 10 years, I decided should probably be looked at for a "check up" ...funny thing, I found out then that the line had been discontinued several years prior and there had been a safety recall that I never got because I never filled out the warranty paperwork. Must have been a really good reg, I guess, cuz I'm still here, OR I got incredibly lucky and learned a valuable lesson. As a new diver, start out with quality gear and plan on annual service. O rings do dry out, salt, sand and silt can collect and lack of use is as damaging as extensive use.
2air, u'r right on with the Conshelf and Titans, they were great regs. I learned on early models of the Conshelf regs, myself. Their biggest problem, though was their best attribute: they were well made. you needed a really strong jaw to hold those Goliaths for an extended dive, but there was something to be said for hearing all the metal pieces working in perfectly timed unison. Ports are good, and since the OP is not sure, a bare minimum of 2 LP ports would be in order in case he needs to attach a dry suit inflation hose or maybe a really cool bubble shooter....
Nihildriven, as a brand new diver, I would strongly recommend working with a local shop who can set you up in quality gear that you can afford. Since you have no idea where you may end up diving in the future, there is no way to know if that future place will have a service tech qualified to work on your reg, but a good reputable manufacturer of current, modern gear can always provide contact information on where to take or send your reg for annual service. I would look at a balanced 2nd stage as a minimum with a balanced, sealed 1st stage if you can swing one in that category. An adjustable resistance 2nd stage is also a sweet option if you plan to do any diving deeper than 100ft. A good safe second is important, you may be the one breathing off of it in an emergency.
Bottom line: this is life support equipment; The only piece of gear I carry with me in carry-on luggage. As a dive professional, I use a high end recreational diving regulator that suits my needs. All three of my family who are infrequent divers, however, are in a less expensive reg with fewer options and adjustments. The likelihood that they will need to rescue a diver at 100+ feet is less than mine, so the cost was not justified for a major upgrade. Most regs made today are quality regs from reputable companies that stand by their products. The biggest difference is in the customer service end of the business. Buy from a seller you cant look in the eye and you run a greater risk than buying from the guy in the shop near home. If he screws you, at least you have the option of deflating his tires and posting nasty things that can really hurt his business on SB and FB.
Good luck and Dive Safe