Well, I'm no expert.... BUT, it seems to me that CrossFit workouts are actually less equipment-intensive. If you want to get started, go through their archives and find the more body-weight oriented WODs. Also, I'd highly recommend starting without weights or with really light stuff. You'll need a pull-up bar, a place to do small sprints (even back and forth in your garage), something to lift (people often talk about canvas sea bags full of sand), a place to do situps, a stop-watch, puke bucket (not kidding)... Get a PVC pipe or broomstick to get working on olympic weightlifting form. You can pick up the other things gradually. A 45 pound 0-bar, kettlebells, some bumberplates with handles would be the basic stuff when you are ready to get smoked. By the time you need more than that, you'll know what you need and where to get it. There is a forum section of their website that deals with equipment and gym set-up:
http://www.crossfit.com/discus/messa...rd-topics.html
Depending on where you are, there may be other people you can work-out with. That is definitely helpful.