The Wellers are very popular for the reasons that you stated. They are inexpensive, dependable, and last forever. I just like the style of the wand that comes with the Hakkos and Metcals better.

Just go by circuitspecialists.com They have a house brand that isn't bad at all. It looks like a Hakko, but I don't think that the power supply is quite on par. It is a good station for the money though. Oh, and I wouldn't waste my money getting the one with the digital readout, the one with the dial is fine. I used to use two of these, before I got my Metcal with the two wands.