What I did was a little different - I got a Britax car seat w/out the accompanying stroller. Instead, I got a universal infant carrier which is very light & goes w/most car seats. The car seat is more expensive than most but it's great because the pads on either side of the baby's head keeps it from moving around when the baby doesn't have enough neck strength. They are easily removed when no longer needed.
The only thing w/the universal baby carrier (which looks like a golf cart - LOL) is that it's for infant car seats only - you have to get a regular stroller after you're through w/that car seat and go to the next one which is okay. Then you can get a more lightweight stroller that's easily portable. The universal carrier only costs about $50- the car seat is around $250 give or take. Travel systems are usually less expensive.
I have the Deco travel system from BRU and I just love it. It's very nice, lots of storage, rides great. Only downfall is it's not very good in small stores. I like it because I can lay it back once Gavin falls asleep...he likes it too.
I'm also a first-timer, so no experience yet...but I'm with bny. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting the jogger-type stroller (with three wheels). My sister used one of those for her first, and it was so easy to push and turn. I haven't really looked that much yet, but that's what I'm thinking right now anyway :-)
i am a first time mommy to be! we had the same discussion with our friends.. we had several friends who bought the travel system and then never used it or only did for the 1st three months.. i was actually walking with a friend out to lunch one day and she was using hers - we were out at a shopping center and the stroller would barely go over where two pieces of concrete met up with each other.. so i said.. yea i dont want one of those! We ended up getting a 3 wheel "jogging" type stroller and then bought the infant car seat adapter for it.. to use the first 3 months or so.. otherwise we can use the stroller till she is several years old! :) we have also thought about gettting a "snap and go" at first.. but probably wont even do that! good luck and congrats!!! : )