I might as well say it before someone else does. If it is at all practical and possible in your area I would recommend you try and at least get into the pool and try out a Jacket, Back inflate, and Backplate/Wing system for comparison.
Also read a few of the threads on here on the topic. Many of them have turned into heated debates as people get very passionate about it.
Personally I own both a Jacket style BC so I can relate to a lot of open water divers wearing rental gear in a training situation (which is almost always a jacket style BC with a weight belt), and a bp/wing system.
On a personal basis I prefer a bp/wing for several reasons that are well covered on here. To each their own.
My opinion on supporting the local dive shop though? If they don't sell the equipment you prefer for whatever reason that is no reason to shortchange yourself and buy there anyways. Buy what you feel good about, not what is available easily or what is going to relieve you of the guilt that a lot of LDS's like to aim at their customers.
Read. Take every opinion with a grain of salt, become knowledgeable about both the equipment and the culture surrounding it, whether it is going to grow with you, and if at all possible try the stuff.
A BC is a big purchase for most people. Buy once...Buy right...
ScubaRon
