It depends.
We use a french press and we grind our beans, but we like strong coffee. We buy from a locally-owned shop that buys and roasts their own - I can't recommend that enough, because not only do these guys know their coffee, but they really give back to the neighborhood.
If you don't want to do that much work or like your coffee that strong, I'd suggest the Papa Nicholas or Eight o'Clock brands. If they are available in your area, they can be found at a grocery store and are much cheaper and better tasting than Starbuck's coffee (Don't get me wrong, I used to love Starbuck's until I tasted Metropolis's coffee.).
As for coffee makers, I'd suggest getting a Krups coffeemaker - they have several models, including one that has a small carafe for only a couple of cups (if you're the only one drinking it, it might be a good bet) and one that has a thermal carafe. They can be inexpensive and our last machine was a Krups. My boyfriend probably had it for 12 years.
Also, in case you're curious, Metropolis Coffee has a web site and you can order beans online:
http://www.metropoliscoffee.net/
