How to decide on a handgun...(9mm)?

I'm a woman buying a handgun for the first time. I know for a fact that I want a 9mm, but I'm having a hard time deciding which brand/manufacturer I want to go with. I can't afford a lot due to the economy. If you could provide a list of models to check into, reasons why (reliability is a key factor for me), and keep it within an economic price range, it would be much appreciated! Also, give me some idea of what gun(s) you've owned/shot in the past, how they held up, what your range/length of experience is with firearms, and of course answer the million dollar question, would you stake your life on this gun?? The gun will primarily be used for target/range practice and naturally, home defense ;) I'm debating a future CCW Permit, but this is dependent on my residency status and what-not so if there's an optional compact model for future endeavors, that could be a plus, but not necessarily a deal-breaker. I have looked into Glock, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, BHP, Ruger, Sig, and some other brands that are all starting to criss-cross right now and am getting very frustrated, so any advice/ideas would be much appreciated. Oh. And I'm ambidextrous/left-handed :)