definitely agree with this to get start & you can always upgrade in the future from a cheaper set
i've found the 1200s just as nice as the 1210s but the cheaper Numarks & Gemini that i've tried have also been alot more forgiving, in terms of needle jumps & finding the pitch more easily
if you've got money to burn, then the new Pioneer CD decks are fantastic & you can still scratch away with them too!
personally, i found more pleasure in spending a little more on the mixer too to get some of the extra bits like flange effects & sample recordings too