SF,
Hello and Welcome to this great site.
You will come to learn that there are a great number of people here who will be more than happy to give you all the info and help you'll ever need, when it comes to metal detecting and a number of other topics.
I can say your on the right track, thinking of buying a Minelab. Personaly, I think they are the best beach hunting detector there is, both in and out of the water. If you buy this detector, you will find you won't need a closet full of detectors to get the job done. Relic Hunting, Coin Shooting, Beach hunting, both dry and wet sand, and even in the water. In the water you have a great number of options also, detecting and getting wet feet, or even being in the water up to your neck..

Even scuba diving with your Minelad Excaliber ( if this is what you choose) is a great way to find all them treasures to be found.
If I was you, take the time to search for a used detector that is being sold on this site, or elswhere, make sure they are telling you it is in fine working condition w/manual, but you can always download a manual from Minelabs web site. You will be extra lucky if you can find one that has been modified for mounting the main controls to your hip, a great plus if you want to hunt land with the detector. It is a heavy detector, but if you can get it hip mounted, that would be a great option in my opinion.
Anyways, best of luck, it's trully a great time detecting, either alone or with a hunting buddy, which you'll come to learn is not hard to find one.
Sincerely,
TigerNed in CT. AKA Ned