We are looking to buy a flute for a beginner and found Portland Band Flutes and Portland Soloist flutes from the following company: World Wide Instruments
http://www.worldwideinstruments.com/

Is anyone familiar with this company or their flutes?

at those prices it has to be made in China, I would steer clear of those

I would be inclined to be wary. Their entry level model is nickel plated, which in various countries would actually not be allowed to be sold, because of the number of people having adverse reactions to it. As far as all the various silver or gold plated varieties, it is generally agreed that this has NO discernable influence on the sound (as they claim), and even if it were solid, with a beginner you probably wouldn't hear the difference. As far as "ribbed" posts are concerned, I have never come across a flute that didn't have this, and rolled tone-holes are standard on all but some of the most expensive flutes.
Summing up, for the money I think you would do better to shop around for a used Yamaha 200 series flute, which has an excelent reputation, or alternatively a used flute from an established brand like Gemeinhard, Jupiter, Armstrong, or Pearl. Lots of people who upgrade sell their beginner flutes. If you look in this forum I think you will find a number of suggestions. Good Luck in your search!

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You may find this site usefull as well:

http://experts.about.com/q/Flute-2059/index.htm

If you want a good price on a GOOD beginner flute, contact me. I sell them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flute_items/

And she is trustworthy!

-Dennis

Thank you Dennis!

We checked out what Kara had and after some totally awesome communication - you are right, Dennis, Kara is extremely honest - we chose to purchase a refurbished flute from Kara. Of her available models we chose a Yamaha 225S, which she finished to our specifications of the choices she had available. The flute - a thing of great beauty - has a wonderful tone. Our daughter's music teacher checked it out and was overwhelmed about the condition, smooth mechanisms and overall quality of the flute, and of Kara's work. We are SO glad we checked out this forum before making any purchasing decisions. Oh - and our 11 year old daughter? Absolutely adores it and would not stop playing it! Thanks to all of you who gave us advice and steered us in the right direction!

Congrats to both of you and hats off to Kara!

-Dennis

Thank Mert! I hope your daughter continues on enjoying her flute. It was such a pleasure being able to work with you.