Getting an inexpensive system will allow you to get your feet wet and give you a better understanding of how hydroponics works. If you would rather get right into building your own, do your research. Get all the information you can and don't rely on just one source. This is a constantly changing industry and there are many books still on the shelves that are already outdated. Building your own system can be very rewarding or extremely frustrating.
Hydroponic gardening is the wave of the future.
It is also becoming a popular hobby. Hydroponics is fun, exciting and easy to get involved in.