Personally, for a first timer, I would look into a 'mixed bag' to learn with. You can often find bags with 10-20 seeds of 5 mixed strains cheaper. Chances are, you will like one of these strains...and one of them will surely like you (easy to grow). I ordered almost all indica dominants my first time, and one mixed bag...which actually contained a sativa that became my favorite. Get a variety for cheap and see what you like to smoke and grow...ya know?
Right now I am growing 2x K2 hybrids that are doing really well, still vegging though...but yes Brouli, I would say much easier than....ummm....like White Widow (not too nute tolerant).
And yes to the other question, not only do all these strains taste and smell different....but have very different effects too. There are some great odorless strains for stealth grows.