Considering a 3D printer

[curious aardvark]

definitely NOT a replicator 5th gen.
Among many other issues - no heated bed.
An pretty small build volume compared to other machines in the same price range.

All 3d printers are easy to use - as long as you learn how to use them :-)
You will always need to learn what filaments stick to what surface, best temperatures for different filaments and prints.
What filaments work best for any particular job.

My current favourite machine is the bcn3d sigma. Not sure if they have a usa distributor though.
It's just hands down the best dual material printer on the market. Ideal for art students. Makes mixing materials a breeze.

You might also want to consider adding simplify3d to your shopping list, makes slicing and arranging models on the plate much simpler.

Might be worth looking at thr robo3d http://www.amazon.com/ROBO-3D-Assemb...ds=3d+printers
You could buy 2 :-)

And that's one thing that you would be well worth considering. 2 or more cheaper machines would be much much more use than 1 expensive one.
When any one print can take many hours, having more than one printer is a real bonus.

I'd suggest the flashforge pro - but while excellent. They have fairly small build volume and no automatic calibration.

Ultimaker 2 is very good. But not cheap, and again if I were you I'd be looking at more than one machine.

The printrbot plus is also well worth a look. http://printrbot.com/product-categor...rs/metal-plus/
You almost never hear anything negative about printrbots.

And if you've got a few dollars to spare - why not throw in a wanhao duplicator i3 :-0) Good basic machine and only $400 http://wanhaousa.com/products/duplicator-i3-steel-frame