If your toddler is showing signs of being ready then around 2 is a good age.  Keep in mind that this is not an overnight success.  How long it takes depends on the child and each child is different.  Some of the signs to look for are telling you if they have to pee or poop, another is if they are helping to dress themselves as far as pulling up and down their own pants.

Not everyone uses pull-ups, however I think that they are very helpful.  I think that it helps the toddler feel like a big kid and some even have cool alerts, which is something that gets cold when wet.  Others have symbols that fade when wet, all very helpful when a toddler is trying to learn to potty.  We have decided to use them with Alex and he is very excited to be out of diapers!