REI also has these:
Time ATAC MX 4 Pedals - Free Shipping at REI.com

I just vastly prefer the Time ATAC series of pedals to the SPD's. There is more float. Also, you can set them so that the release and step in is pretty soft. You might find that helpful.

Other than that, this isn't a big deal. Heck, I've been riding clipless pedals from just about the first month Look offered their first pedal. Anything was better than toe clips with cleats - those where you were locked in and you had to release the strap or balance there until you could go again. You think clipless are bad, try those.

I find that with the Time ATAC pedals, the release movement is (to me) more natural than with the SPD ones. Cleats fit SPD holes patterns and will work with your shoes. These pedals for the link also have a large platform so you could ride them with regular shoes too or without clipping in.

J.