Good to see you're getting everything sorted ;) It's a lot to take in.
I use the Epson 1400 which is A3, it's a great printer used with the bulk ink CIS. The Epson B1100 is a fantastic buy and is a current model. Other option would be the Ricoh 7000, also A3. This uses cartridges. Another good option and you don't suffer as much with blocked nozzles etc.
If I was starting out afresh and had the budget I'd probably go for the Ricoh, first set of cart's don't last long as it's priming the ink lines but next sets of cart's will last a fair while. I had the A4 version when they first came out, the 5050. Didn't get on particularly well with it and print quality didn't compare to the 6 colour Epson 1400 but I do keep one for day to day printing.