I am in the camp of "build your own package" set of people. I went to my LDS and had my own put together (and I too, am a new diver). Speak with someone about what your needs are now, and what your goals are in the future, and build yourself a package that will suit you for awhile. Evenutally, you may need to upgrade, but if planned well, you can have gear that will also be suitable as a back-up or for travel.
