FLCC> Advice re: floor pump

[racerra]

Hi All, 
Last year I bought a cheap floor pump which is working
alright in terms of pumping air into my tires.  The gauge on
it, however, leaves a lot to be desired.  It doesn't read at
all when I first hook it up to the tire. (Is that normal?) 
When I begin the pump, it reads anywhere from 80 to 110 and
fluctuates.  It jumps up as I begin to pump then seems to
drop down as I stop.  I don't think it is losing air at the
bottom of the stroke.
What I really need to know is, are these problems typical or
just due to it being a cheap pump.  Also, any advice about a
brand/model you would recommend.
Thanks,
Ron Acerra