Pedals/Shoes

wow, I remember getting so confused when I first bought.  In essence, you have three styles of clipless pedals:
1.  Speedplays - smaller platform, clip in both sides.  I have heard that if you have larger feet you can develop a hotspot since the pedal is so small.  No idea if that's true.
2.  Look/Shimano SPD SL/Platform - larger platform, clip in one side
3.  Shimano SPD - also likely to be able to use in spinning class

I just picked one in my price range (Shimano SPD/SLs) and have been using them for the last 4 years, probably 12-15K mniles on them.  Just bought a second pair for the road bike.  The cleats are inexpensive to replace

Shoes - if you want a tri shoe I like the Specialized Tri Vent.  Other than that. find something that's comfortable and in your price range.  The stiffer the sole, the better.

I have some Time RXS pedals and I love them. I am also using the Specialized Tri vent shoes and enjoy them as well. I like the Time pedals because they have a slightly larger platform and they do an excellent job of always keeping the top side facing up.

I've got Shimano Ultegra pedals and Specialized trivent shoes. Great combo!

Speedplay Zeros and Specialized BG shoes, great combo.

Which are easiest to get out of, or are they about equal?

I've used speedplay, shimano spd, and shimano spd sl (platform style).  they are all about the same once you get used to it

I've got the look sprints and a pair of sidis.  Both work great.  If you live in a hot climate sidis tend to make my feet sweat too much, just an FYI.