I just got my PowerPro 256 and its great.

Here are my two contributions to other beginners like me. These are links to EXTREMELY HELPFUL handbooks that are free online, regarding welding:

Miller's TIG HANDBOOK

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/TIGhandbook/

and also

CK Worldwide welding "specs" (like the handbook above but with even MORE detailed info)

http://www.ckworldwide.com/technical_specs.pdf