I started out with a Delta 1" x 30" and still use it some. Like has already been mentioned, it is underpowered and really fast. That said, it was a great machine to learn on. I still use it to do a very slight convex grind on some small knives, after I do flat grind on them.
As to belts, I bought some zirconia belts once, and they worked good, but I found that the cheap AO belts were a far better value.
Todd