I did, it's pretty easy. It's kind of like CFOP but start from 2x2 block.

I hope this isn't too off-topic, but what's a good (and inexpensive) standard Rubix Cube brand\model?

I've had my share of generic cubes and they move very awkwardly and stiffly, very generic so don't know the brands

The Original Rubiks Cube doesn't have any corner cuts, slow and grumpy sound.

The speedcubes does have an excellent corner cuts ( there's alot of different speedcubes ), fast and silent ( some speedcube is noisy )

I recommend you to buy Moyu or The Valk3