I agree with everything CT has written. I started with the "ECB" (el cheapo Brinkman) and almost gave it up because that thing was just too hard to use. Came across the virtualweberbullet and decided to spring the $180 for the WSM. It is the Cadillac of water smokers. I do not have the automatic temp setup described, but even so I only have to check it every 3-4 hours. It's great.
For a first cook, the Boston butt is very forgiving but takes a long time. For a shorter cook get some baby back ribs, apply a nice rub, and smoke with hickory, pecan or apple or some combo of the three. Smoke for 5-6 hours at 225-250.
Here is a link to the
BBQ FAQ.
These people are into BBQ and there is a ton of good info in this FAQ. This is the Super System of BBQ.