It is really WAY to hard to get USD into any exchange, quickly anyway. I was thinking of buying 1 or 2 btc on bitstamp but there are no quick and easy options to deposit USD. Same with mtgox, btc-e, bitfloor, and really any other exchange you can think of. Its pretty ridiculous, nearly any option requires sending money through EU banks, Wire transfers that take to long and have WAY to high fees, or some obscure Russian payment service. I don't feel safe using most of the services offered, or they cost to much and take to long. I want to buy BTC NOW, not in 2-3 days with a 5% fee. *facepalm*
I don't agree with this.
BitInstant is incredibly easy, but you'll end up paying multiple fees. BTCquick is another easy to use site, but you'll have to send photo ID and so forth in order to purchase BTC.
There are alternatives to any "easy" service, up to and including private trades with others. Your best bet would probably be to use PayPal or a bank transfer and to get a reputable escrow medium to oversee the transaction. You and the seller will be protected, and it won't take as much time as site verification.
Alternatively, you could do the "freebooter" method of purchasing coins, which is to hit OTC or another gathering place for traders (These forums, for instance), and just trade. You run the risk of scams, but it's also the fastest way to get Bitcoins that I can think of offhand.
DoctorBTC on #Bitcoin-OTC is trustworthy. So are "heavies" like BCB and BigBitz. BigBitz can and will cut you, but that's just business. His prices are to make profit, and that's respectable.
I can't think of too many other sellers offhand that I have had dealings with. Buyers, sure.
Anyway, just be careful. Don't let impatience and/or frustration with exchange sites lead you to make rash decisions. Ask around the community about exchanges/people before making transactions. Reputation is everything. Someone with a spotless record didn't get that way by stealing your money.
Good luck.