I'm new to these animals and i have a question:

[Soul_Reaper]

Ok, i'm pretty sure that you people must have answered this question to 500 different people already and i'm sorry for wasting your time with this. So if anyone here's gonna flame me, spare me and yourself the extra work.

The thing is that i wanna give my girlfriend a cool christmas present, and she absolutely ADORES turtles and she really wants one, so i might get her one.

Could someone give me just a brief summary on beginner turtles? What would be the best turtle to start off with? As far as maintenance, cost and temper go?

Right now i'm only dealing with snakes and lizards and i have no knowledge with turtles whatsoever, you guys don't have to write anything big, just a brief quick summary or even a website link with more info please.

Any replies will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.