What do you want from that tripod? Do you want to have the camera at eye level, maybe even when facing down a slope? That would require tall legs. [Don't use the center column to get taller, it makes the tripod less stable]. Or do you want to do belly photography? Then low level performance will be important.
Do you see yourself getting longer lenses? Teles? A tripod will stay with you for a long time and a good one can be cheaper in the long run. I put at a lot of money (at limited income as a grad student) into my first serious tripod, but I still use it after over 15 years. I spent about US$1K on a Gitzo CF with a Linhof Profi II ballhead. Eventually I bought a more heavy duty one for LF and heavy lenses (An other Gitzo CF with Arca B1). Like RosieC, I like ball heads, but others like pan-tilts. If you think about movies, then pan-tilt may be the better option.
Re quick releases, there are several options out there. I think the most widely used are the Arca style ones. Again, a bit more costly than others, but it will save you money in the long run to start out right.
You may also look on e-bay for used ones. If you don't mind cosmetics (and they do not matter for tripods), you could get a very nice set of legs way cheaper than new-retail. You can check out specs on B&H or manufacturer's websites to see re size, load, etc.
Heads are a bit more tricky, and you may get a nasty surprise, particularly if you have not used them before. There a trip to the store may be the better approach.
And, do you need a tripod? Hell yes! It will slow you down, improve composition, and get you sharper images. You can recognize serious photographers by their tripods. And you can tell a lot about the experience of a photographer by how the tripod is used. Someone using the center column to extend the height: rookie. Someone who hangs a heavy bag touching the ground from the hook off the center column: experienced. Etc.
Interestingly enough, I am not aware of any books on tripod use. Rather curious. B&H intro section, and the ReallyRightStuff website has some good info.
Good luck with your quest!
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