I have been using digi cam for about 3 years now.

Just a couple of thoughts:

1. Is your computer up to processing and storing very large image files - perhaps as large as 8 mb's? My little old laptop is NOT, while my desktop can handle a larger file more easily. My camera has 3 modes (unlike some which have only two) for economy, middle and high resolution.

2. I have totally enjoyed, and highly recommend a camera whch will play directly through your newer TV (or if an older tv, through the VCR into the TV). My camera hs an "automatic slide show" feature, and it is a great way to share pics with family and friends on a 27" or larger TV. I also use this to show pics to my class when I am teaching.

3. I recently bought a 64 mb compact flash card for about $32.00. I can take almost 600 economy pics, 300 medium and about 150 or so high res (my camera is 1.2 mp). Memory cards are now so cheap, especially if very common like compact flash.

4. Having an AC connector greatly saves battery life.

5. My camera can load directly into the computer through the serial port, or, much better, by using a compact flas card reader for my desktop or a PCI slot adapter for the laptop.

My camera is now old, but it still meets my needs for web photos and general use.

Have fun.