No, I always use shops when I first enter a zone. They are a lot more useful than having to fight 20 rounds for an item. Besides, where else would I put all this junk?
Too expensive? What are you saving up for? All you use gold for is items. Might as well buy something as soon as you can wear it, even if it's only for a little while. It's the soundest investment you can make in this game.
I agree with Jerkoid. Your money is unlimmited (because you can battle an infanent amout of times) and the only thing you use money for instead of buying items is to respec, so what's the point in saving?
it really depends what class you are like the biological class has more physical attacks so you'll obviously want to get your strength up with teh weopons right