Try using a french press, I bought one at the grocery store for $10. Comes out way better than the drip maker and it's easier to clean (basically just rinse it out).
As for brand, I buy the pre-ground
Illy. It's a little more expensive than other brands but it is really good coffee. I like my coffee black and strong, and I agree with everyone's view on Starbucks in this thread... over-roasted or sometimes flat out burned.
Also, Tim Hortons is a great choice for drip makers. It's cheap and pretty tasty (though never as tasty as the Timmy's makes it).