I agree with others, if you have such a really broad range of guns, trying before you buy is the best way to go. If there is no local range that rents, try to find a friend, acquantance, or coworker that has several they'd let you try out in exchange for buying ammo. Or check out local ranges, instructors, or community colleges for a basic firearms class that includes live fire with a few different pistols/revolvers.
THe big 3 right now in handguns seem to be the Glock, Sprinfield XD, and Smith & Wesson M&P. All three are good pistols which should meet your criteria. Generally, a duty sized pistol will be much easier, more fun, and more comfortable to shoot than smaller guns like the PPK. Mostly becuase they have more mass to soak up recoil, have a longer sight radius, and better sights. They also tend to be more reliable with more different types of ammo, though it isn't always the case.
Keep in mind that 9mm will be the least expensive to shoot (with the exception of a .22). I can get factory 9mm for about $50 for 250, $65 for .40 S&W, and $85 for .45 ACP.
Between the major brands, the only one I might caution you against would be Ruger. I purchased a Ruger MkIII new from a local retailer and had it jam 2-3 times per magazine regardless of ammo used, amount of lube, and magazine. Took over 3 months to get it back and this was prior to the LCP and SR9 recalls I believe. No apology, no freebies for my trouble, and no explaination of what they fixed when it came back. One the up side, it works flawlessly now.
I'd also steer clear of the budget guns that run under $200. You generally get what you pay for.
Converse to stalkingbear, I (and all my shooting buddies) have had good luck with Taurus, and was very close to buying their 1911. The only reason I didn't was that a Springfield with night sights was only $80 more.
