When I'm talking to people interested in starting to learn the Tarot, I usually recommend the Hanson-Roberts or Robin Wood tarot.
The Hanson-Roberts deck is very similar to the Rider-Waite(-Smith) deck, but with, IMO, much nicer artwork. (The artwork is one of my favorate things about this deck.)
The Robin Wood deck is also similar to the Rider-Waite(-Smith) deck but the artwork has a more Pagan twist due to Ms. Wood's beliefs. As with the Hanson-Roberts deck, the artwork and coloring on this deck is OUTSTANDING.
Some other decks you may want to look are the Rider-Waite(-Smith) deck, Connolly Tarot (Universal Tarot), and the Radiant Rider-Waite (this is the Rider-Waite-Smith deck with more brillian colors which some people prefer).
There are links to all of these decks in the "Sites that Show the Whole Deck" thread (
http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=17948) so you can at least get a look at some of them before you buy one.
Keep in mind though, that there are HUNDREDS of different decks out there of various themes and styles. A deck who's theme appeals to you may be more beneficial than a "starter deck" because you will be able to relate to the imagry.