From my experience good Chameleons to start with are Pygmy leaf, Jacksons, and Veiled Chameleons. They don't change colors really and from the ones we have had at my work they are hardier and cheaper then most.

Use this http://www.chameleonforums.com/ There are some awesome and very smart people on there.

Chameleonforums.com is great. I SECond that suggestion.  Tho for beginner chams, I think I would stick to the veilds... they are hardier.  Jacksons can be a bit touchy sometimes.  The pygmies can be fun too, but do your research on them.  I know a few of them can be easier then the others.  They are cool tho because you can have a group.  Other chams are solitary creatures. 

My intro into my adult herping started with chams.   They really aren't that tricky once you have the temp and humidity down.  You def want a screen cage with plenty of ventilation.  It makes humidity tricky, but if you invest in an automatic mister, life will be much easier and your cham will be much happier.  Even if it's just the exoterra one for the moment, it helps a lot.  Make sure you have something to catch all the run-off - floods are no fun :/. You can also pick up a humidifier and set it  to go off once or twice a day.  Just don't skimp on the misting even if you get one. 

The most difficulty I had with them was finding a steady supply of a varied diet.  THey LOVE silkworms & roaches (those large enough to eat them, not the pygmies), and the hornworms.  Crickets get boring after a while, and the nutrition they pack is skimpy compared to some of the other feeders. 

Chams are wonderful, and still my favorite herp of all time.  They can stress easily, but are well worth the effort as display pets. 

I would suggest a veiled, they are one of the hardier species and manage to survive most noob mistakes. Not the most beautiful of chams but a good starter and not really expensive.