RE: Made the decision; Now Need Help
You can load good, shootable ammunition with a hand press, the controling factor is you. It will be slower than a bench mount press, though. Your idea to mount a press on a board and clamp it to a table is a good one, and I used that approach for several years. I simply mounted a press to a 2x6, and used "C" clamps to attach it to a countertop when i wanted to work.
Buy a couple of complete manuals before buying anything else. By complete, I mean one geared toward basic technoque. I would suggest Lyman's book (#48, I think they are up to), or Richard Lee's Modern Reloading. Buy both if you can, they will answer most of your questions.
Many a person slams Lee equipment on this and other boards. Yep, a Dillon feels better, works easier and costs a bunch more. Does it load better ammo? Nope.
I currently have 2 Dillon 550s, but still usea Lee turret press for small batches. The Dillons load faster, not better.