I used Powergrips for a while on my commute bike before taking the clipless plunge. The twisting motion to get in and out is a little awkward. Other than that I have no complaints with them.
I'm now a confirmed clipless user, but I just installed Shimano M324 clipless/platform pedals on my new Surly Long Haul Trucker because I want to be able to ride the bike without special shoes when I feel like it. There are similar but cheaper pedals at Nashbar and other places. That might be a good alternative for the OP.
The Nashbar knockoffs don't fix the cost of a decent pair of cycling shoes. But there's nothing that says you need Sidi shoes to ride clipless. I started out with a cheaper pair of Specialized shoes and they lasted several years for me.