I have had a smoker of some sort ever since I moved to Arkansas (15 years ago)and have one recommendation to make if you do end up purchasing one: Get one that regulates heat well as temperature is the key to smoking. This typically means heavy wall construction, a close to air tight fit on all the doors, and quality dampers. The heavy wall holds the heat better and is not as subject to warping (creating air gaps). The tight fit on the doors for the same reason. Quality dampers do a better job of regulating the air/smoke flow. You don't want to have to play with it every 20 minutes to maintain temperature. Of couurse what this all means is money.
There are some quality smokers such as Oklahoma Joe's that can be found pretty much nation wide. One manufacturer I have been looking at is Klose BBQ of Houston (by gawd) Texas
http://www.bbqpits.com/
The discovery of golf has cut significantly into my weekends but I still enjoy firing up the smoker when I can. Good time to practice chipping.