In reply to paul walters:
Having only done one winter I have fairly recent experiance of this question as it was me last year!
Problem is there are two diametrically opposed camps for the answer!
1) Get the best tool you like and feels good as they will last for ages and will allow you to progress as you do. As read on the Andy Kirkpatrick site.
2) Get any cheep 2nd hand pair as even old style flys and similar, will be able to climb much harder grade than you'll be doing in the near future. This then frees up cash for decent boots and crampons.
I went for the 2nd hand option and am still very happy with my pimped Aztars.