Foogle78 said:
I don't think I am going to get used to the SPDs.
You did not say if these are your first clipless pedals. If so, this transition will take some practice and seem difficult at first. As was already pointed out, SPD's are amongst the easiest to get in and out of. One thing that I have found with Shimano pedals is that there are no bets about the settings when they are brand new. Take the time to adjust them to minimum. If they are double sided, make sure you adjust all four settings the same. Once you get used to them, then you can ratchet up the settings a "click" at a time. Some SPD pedals come brand new with flat platforms installed on one side. These are really just to facilitate test rides on bikes and should be tossed out. The last pair I got with these platforms (M540's) had the tension screws adjusted fully tight on the platform sides.
For a beginner, "full tight" would be very difficult, so make sure and crank them down to minimum to start.
I started with SPD's and found them very difficult. Now it's second nature to me and I don't even think about it. There is a learning curve and switching to a different clipless pedal is probably not going to help make it any shorter. Just try to be patient and you will get used to them (and, then, wonder why you ever waited so long to go clipless).
Opinions on different pedal types are like asking about the best chain lube. There are plenty of good types and everyone has their favorites. That being said, SPD's are used and loved by many riders. Just have some patience and keep practicing and I think you'll get used to them pretty soon. Getting to the point where you can clip in and out without looking takes a long time. Getting to the point where you can do this with only a glance should not take too long. Good luck!
