First Knife

So I consiering making my first knife purchase. I don't mean that I don't own a knife, its just that I want to move up to a serious knife.

I would like peoples thoughts on good knives for the value in the following price ranges

60 - 125

125 - 200

Also please give me your thoughts on fixed, auto, folding, etc.

If you are wondering how one could live with a serious knife, I hate the outdoors and therefore do not hunt, fish, camp, boat, etc. I know that is not the camp most of my fellow forumites fall into, but hey to each his own.