Thanks to everyone who's posted suggestions and advice, etc.
Much as I need the thing, I probably won't be able to pick one up until next month (June), so anyone else with useful info or recommendations (or warnings against crummy brands/models), please feel free to continue adding to this thread. I wanted to give our techie (or just great shopper-type) members plenty of time to chime in with their two cents' worth.
Glad the thread's helped others besides me, too!