[MENTION=13844]redcheerio[/MENTION]
If you have the budget go for it. I for one got this relatively inexpensive juicer
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OF3FBK It's a juicer not a blender and it's not as strong or wide mouthed (which is more convenient for tossing in whole fruits) as my Breville, but it does a solid job.
I think in the case of juicing, unless you know you will stick with it, it's better to get a 'good average' blender/smoothie and then invest in more when you know what you like and will stick with it.
Carrots are a sweet veggie - my vegan friend swears that tons of carrots plus greens "tastes like chocolate". Hmmm, not sure I agree.
Also, I plug my nose when I drink the green smoothie and chug it. I drink smoothies for the effects not for the experience. So I make it as green as I can. Having said that, a little green goes a long way.
Apples + Carrots are a very basic and good intro to fruit + veggie mix.
Supposedly collards are more bitter than kale but I find collards more palatable.