I am a new diver (only tried it once in the pool at my LDS) I haven't taken any classes yet. I don't want to start my class until I purchase my gear. That way I can learn the class work and my gear at the same time. The LDS has given me a quote of $2450 it is all aqualung gear. The BC is a pearl, suunto cobra dive computer, wet suit, hood, gloves, uncoated block weights, uncoated lead weights, snorkel, flag & float, 80 suf cylinder, plastic line holder with 75' line, mesh backpack, defog, boots 6.5 m, comfort strap, hose guard, 10 free fills, 7 ml neop john suit, 7 ml neop shorty, titan lx ads regulator, abs octo, scumball safe second holder, and mariner equipment bag. Plus OW class.
Eh, gear is decent but alot of stuff you probably will not need. I was like you when i started and ended up selling most of my gear within 3 months because I understood more about diving and I wanted/needed something else.
E.g.
I bought the Zeagle Rangle BCD, arguably the best BCD ever made. Loved it, but sold it for a Stainless Steel BP/W setup. The latter allow me to use less weight.
Got the Hollis DC2/212 regulators, one of the finest regulators ever made but its on ebay now. I switched to HOG gear instead because I discovered I preferred DIN and using HOG has the added bonus of being able to service them myself
Bought the Apollo biofins because I was sold with the biofins technology of not silting the bottom. Liked how easy they fin but exchanged for a pair of OMS Slip Stream because my current propulsion techniques will not go well with split fins.
Had the Oceanic VEO 180NX and still using it; but only reduced to using it in gauge mode because I am currently practicing to dive UTD/DIR style by calculating on the fly instead of relying on computers.
And yes, all the above starting within 3 months of my getting certified. You may end up happy with your gear for a long time, but I'll put my money on you wishing you bought something else.