Minimum equipment needed to get started?
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1200480447.5899=/html/catalog/anivers.html
This link is provided for reference only. You can get better prices via third party dealers than from the factory (
www.fmreloading.com sells this kit for $79.99). This kit includes everything you must have to begin loading, other than consumables, and is IMHO the best way to get your feet wet. Note that this contains a single stage press. It's best to learn this way, and then graduate up to a semi-progressive or progressive later for pistol calibers. You will probably always use a single stage for rifle calibers anyway, so this definitely won't be a waste of money.
If you want to get "minimalistic" try:
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1200480447.5899=/html/catalog/cleeloader.html
However, this will not at all be a good choice for a first timer or any kind of even low volume production; it's really designed for at-range test loading. However, it is the cheapest and smallest.
I also recommend a few shell holder blocks that keep the cartridges standing up between reloading procedures. They don't come with this kit, but can be added for a few extra bucks at most dealers.
Edit: Shoney makes good points. Your equipment really depends on volume. That said, you will learn better safe reloading practices if you start out on a single-stage press and don't have to drop $$$ to get started. It would be easy to drop an initial investment of $1000 into reloading, but that's not really the best way to start. Additionally, progressive presses can be tricky setup-wise, and without some hard experience, you can end up loading many defective or unsafe rounds quickly.
Individual component wise, reloading equipment is cheap, and you can always upgrade when you decide you need something better. Like I said before, you will always find use for the equipment that you have relegated to second line status after upgrade.