Electronic means there is a button like on your computer mouse behind a trigger that actuates the marker to cycle. A mechanical trigger is where you pull it, and it uses a physical mechanism to actuate the marker to cycle. Electronics have a lighter trigger pull, and often cycle faster, however you can outshoot your hopper which will cause chopping (balls breaking in the barrel). The smart parts Ion is a very cool marker. Angels in my experience do one thing, shoot paint like no tomorrow. I had an angel for a while and it cycled very quickly however it was inconsistent and it would barely hit the broadside of a barn. My favorite marker (and the only one I still own) is an AKA Viking, best thing I ever shot, but they went out of business and I won't sell mine. Start with a 98, buy it cheap, upgrade it as you see fit and if you are still playing in a year buy something better. Many people get into paintball and play 2 or 3 times invest 1000+ in gear, then quit. If you have to own something better right away buy something used off of pbnation or one of the other paintball forums. People buy stuff then sell it for half what it cost new just to get rid of the
best paintball mask website. Sorry for the half cogent sentences posting from my phone.