Hi lanxer,
From a newbie who has just gone through 1 tripod, the following is what i look for (not in any order of merit):
1. Height of tripod when fully extended and collapsed (must be just the right height so I don't have to extend by tiptoeing, or stoop down too low)
2. Smooth movement for vertical (up and down movement) and horizontal (left and right, for panorama shots) - you can start with those tripods with a pan head
3. Weight - you certainly don't want too heavy, but ...
4. Sturdy - so it won't topple over when wind blows your tripod with your camera on it
5. Under center column hook, or buy cheap hooks used to hang clothes - to hold down the tripod with something heavy, like your bag
6. Quick release plate - using the screw types will waste time when you need to detach your camera from the tripod to shoot something else
I used this
Velbon CX-888 Black tripod. I bought it for $60 from the last PC show in December 2009.
At the end of the day, set a budget, go down to the shops and take a look at a few of the available tripods, then go home research, and then when you have confirmed what you want and what you can afford, go make the purchase.
HTH. Good luck with your shooting!