I've used both MH and HPS through out the entire grow on several occasions with no visible differences, and great results. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd go with MH just because it's easier on the eyes when working under it, and makes for better pics!!
The color temp of an HPS is more geared towards the flowering cycle(2000K), but it works fine for veg as well. If all you are looking to do is grow a couple lowriders in a closet pickup a cheap 150watt HPS lamp kit from HGTsupply for $66.95:
You can easily squeeze 4 lowriders under that little puppy, and it doesn't get terribly hot since its only 150watt. If you can't afford the light+shipping your only other option is to go with CFL's. When growing with CFL's get as many as you can. You want at least 3-4 of the 100watt equivalent bulbs(23-26watt) per plant. It's best to use a ratio of 3:1 6500K:2700K bulbs for veg, and 3:1 ratio of 2700K:6500K bulbs for flowering.
not too fussed about price would rather get the best possible light for the job and one i can use again on possible bigger plants/grows, just wanna know if theres one out there that goes from seed to bud without having to change the bulb?? either cfl or hps anything that i can just turn on at the start and still be using 3 months later once ive at last harvested that sweet MJ !