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This has some good pros/cons of each listed:

http://theartofsimple.net/4-cloth-diapering-choices-defined/

Based on the 4 types here is what we have tried:

Prefolds/Trifolds - We have used a Flip Organic and now have some Applecheeks bamboos (2ply and 3ply thickness). We just do a basic tri-fold. For covers we have used the Flip (basic cover of PUL), a Grovia as a cover (has meesh inside and can be used to snap in a liner), and now Applecheeks as a cover (just laying the trifold on top of the fleece instead of using it as a pocket).

AIO/AI2 - We had a BumGenius Elemental that I liked but its bulky and took time to dry. I loved the organic cotton though because its absorbent and isn't prone to stink issues. We also tried the AI2 like the Grovias. Its a shell and you just snap in an insert. The GDaipers are also AI2 I believe.

Pockets - We have tried all kinds of pockets because it seems to be a good balance for us. BumGenius are some of the most popular and are a good quality. Similar styles include Fuzzibunz, Charlie Bananas, Alva, Applecheeks, etc. You have to use a new outer pocket/shell each time you change but you can add additional stuff inside the pocket if you need more absorbency. The inserts also wash/dry better when separated from the shell. One feature with pockets we have come to enjoy is the Thirsties and Applecheeks (and a few other brands I"m forgetting) have a way that the insert agitates out of the pocket on its own in the wash. So you don't have to unstuff a wet insert.

I've used g-diapers for almost 2 years and love them. I would not recommend the newborn bundle, they are just not worth it. Use disposables for a few weeks and then start with the small diapers. We were in small from about 4 weeks until close to 8 months. It depends on the size of your baby, but you will not get a lot of use out of the newborn bundle if your baby is anywhere around average weight. We had the most of size medium and those are the ones they are in the longest.

A few other thoughts. We bought most of our g-diaper covers used from craigslist and my local mom board. Saved a ton of money and most of them were no worse for the wear. I did buy some new liners since those can lose their stretch. But the pants can be washed a million times and they fit and wear great still. And if you want to use them again for another kid, buy the more neutral colors. We used mostly the disposable liners, they just worked best for us. I loved that they were flushable (we flush poop anyway) or compostable (although we live in an apartment in the city so we don't compost) and they are very biodegradable b/c they do not have plastic. But I did want to address your montessori point. The disposable inserts have the SAP chemical that holds 8 times its weight in liquid, like most disposable diapers it helps them be very absorbent, but will not help you in your quest to make your kid feel wet.

Anyway, we love g-diapers and so glad we decided to use them and will use them again with the new baby and don't have to buy anything new except the inserts (which I only buy on sale, they always have coupons if you sign up on their website). G-diapers is a great company with a great mission and I have found them very helpful on every front. And they are so cute! Hope that helps and let me know if you have any more questions.

@pui: Thank you! Sounds like you're like me, reading a lot on these sorts of things. I'm getting a library card asap (we moved here fairly recently, or I already would have!), and hopefully they'll have some or all of those!

Also, glad you asked this because someone mentioned going to a class, which I'd never even heard of. But there are several in our area, so we'll definitely try that. I can't get a feel for what I might like without getting my hands on them!

@pui: I think technically any pocket brand can be an AI2 if you put a safe liner on top of the pocket. Basically AC is the brand that sells a reversible insert that if in the pocket, one direction faces up and if you use it as an AI2 the insert faces the other way so that its safe to touch babies skin. If you are using natural inserts like bamboo or hemp some of those are also safe to go directly against the skin although may stay a bit wetter.