I also agree that you're better off going with strobes than hotlights.
As far as the softbox versus umbrella issue, well, if you're serious about this, you will eventually have both. No question! So get what your budget can stand to start with.
I do however strongly recommend that if you cannot get a quality softbox you get yourself quality umbrellas instead of a cheap softbox. The cheaper softboxes are even harder (than others) to assemble and disassemble and they really don't stand up well to that kind of use - they're better left always set up if possible. Also the cheaper ones may not give you as even lighting as better ones and may or may not have a "baffle" or diffusion panel inside and most probably they will not also accept optional fabric grids.
Hope this helps...
Eldor
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