I dug my first silver of 2007 yesterday, a 1943 Quarter. For those looking for a good lower price machine, look into the Garrett Ace 250.
I think the TA-250 is an excellent choice for a beginner or for someone needing a "traveler model" while on vacation. You know when you weren't planning on detecting but opportunity presents itself at the last minute...
I built my own with a kit I bought here: http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/ It works real well...there just isnt much to find around here.
If I may suggest traveling north on I-45 to the: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/sam_houston/samhouston_gen_info.shtml You should have some success around the lake and surrounding trails...
Just negotiated a deal for a second hand metal detector. I've been hinting since I was 12 that I wanted one. I finally realized that nobody was going to get me one, so I took it upon myself. In a couple of weeks, I'll finally get my chance!
I am the worst metal detector in the world. I have done it like 30 times and all I have found is a 1995 cent.