Something based on the Cortex-M series (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10664) probably is a better ARM starter board for someone who's getting started on the embedded stuff. Cortex-A series ARMs are completely different beasts in terms of complexity.

I second that. The BeagleBoard is amazing. It can do real time (the original one can handle roughly 25 fps) computer vision, thanks to its built in DSP. The newer one should be even better (but I've not heard as much about it).

Leaflabs makes Maple boards that are somewhat similar but less expensive, under $50. They are based on ARM Cortex M3. Worth checking out. ( http://leaflabs.com/devices/maple/ )