OK, here's what we're looking at & a couple more questions ----

We're looking online at a Cannon Powershot S1 IS

does anyone use a flash card reader, or is it unneccessary?

sounds like you can just plug in the USB & download from the camera, yes?

we're thinking of starting with a half-gig card, it would save enough money so we could get a 5-yr. warrenty, which I think is a good idea.
do you think a half-gig is enough to do most stuff?

thanks, you've all been so helpful!