NeoMadHatter, skateboarding is somewhat elitist. The boards do not come in various quality grades. All the different types of boards are just based on personal preference and skating style. Otherwise, they come in either professional quality (which are built from individual components at a skate shop) or the crap sold at Target or Wal-Mart. There is no in-between.
Last I checked (and it's been a while), a good complete board (i.e. deck, wheels, trucks, bearings, risers [if any], bolts, and grip tape) cost the same today as when I skated back in the late '80s and early '90s (roughly $140). When I skated (too old and crippled now
), I burned through a pair of Nikes about every 4-6 weeks, a deck every 2-3 months, wheels every 4-6 months, and trucks about once a year.
Dragon365, if you're just beginning, then that board should be somewhat cool. Just don't go to the skateparks yet. Aside from being a total noob, you won't look too cool.
How to skate? Simple. First, get on the board and then try to decide whether you like your left-foot forward (regular foot) or your right foot forward (goofy foot). Give this some thought because the decision is permanent (I was goofy foot, put your best foot forward I always say). To help decide, try coasting down some small gentle slopes, like a driveway or neighborhood. Skateboards are very sensitive to pavement quality, especially when you're new and haven't yet learn to do those necessary subtle balance shifts, so pick something smooth while you're stilling learning.
Once you decide your stance, learn to kick.
ALWAYS kick with the back foot and NEVER put your heel on the ground. Kicking is always done with the balls of your feet. Try to work on balance and being smooth, fast, and confident. Tighten or loosen your trucks to personal preference. Do NOT attempt any real downhills until you feel confident on the board.
Once you get all this down, you should be ready to learn to ollie.