+1 to Madman. I'd suggest doing a kit first and if you feel it went well and no major problems then try your hand at a PM (partial mash). I'd recommend doing PMs for a while (there are some GREAT threads (with pics!) on these forums). Once you feel you are a master (I doubt I will EVER feel that way

) take the plunge into AG brewing.
I think you can pretty much control recipes and do your own with PMs but with AG you will have complete control?

Enjoy!