Wow, so much information, THANK YOU!
I think I'm not going to have my mind set on any particular bass, but while I'm saving up the rest of the money for it, I'm just going to have a browse at a variety of different basses and see how I like playing them. And am definitely going to take ALL of your advice on board because you have all been very helpful
Also, today I was speaking to one of my musician (male) friends who said to me that I should consider getting a more "lightweight" or smaller (I guess?) bass since I'm a girl and a relatively small one at that! Is this even true? I'm not really sure how basses compare in terms of size, weight, 'easiness' to play I guess... can anyone shed any knowledge on this? Thanks again for all of the advice, I am so so so so grateful. Apologies for all of my annoying questions.