In my opinion, I guess it depends on what you're wanting to accomplish and also where you live. The reason I said "where you live" is because depending on your location, there may not be a bunch of repeaters that you can access. If there isn't a lot of local repeater activity, then a handheld may not be the best choice for your first radio. In most major cities however, there are a lot of repeaters, so this may not be an issue.
A lot of people like a handheld as their first radio because it lets them also use it as a scanner and monitor local police, fire, etc., and they can carry it around with them. However, the limited power and antenna are a huge compromise. You can find used mobile rigs, a used or cheap power supply, and put up a J-pole antenna for probably 1/2 the price of the VX-8.
However, if APRS appeals to you then this is a neat way to get into that. I would also think about one of the Icom D-Star handhelds if you've decided on this type of radio as your first. If there are D-Star repeaters in your area, this is also another way you can have fun and talk to people around the world on the internet linked D-Star system.