Don't forget that coupon code RED10 will get you 10% off Redsnapper products.

I have a Velbon Ultra Rexi L, which I'd recommend as a lightweight travel tripod that is very stable...wee bit more expensive than Redsnappers though.

Some reviewers mentioned problems with 'backlight bleed' on the LG models around the time that I bought mine, but as I say it seems well put together and I'm very happy with it. And as you say, the consesus is that the panels themselves are the same as those in the Dells.

I've had the LG IPS 231 for almost 2 years and am very happy with it. The £109 mentioned above is the 22" version, I think - it's probably worth spending another £10 to get the 23" version. Mine has a really solid, adjustable stand though, and it doesn't look as though the ones on Amazon do... A friend has one of the Dells mentioned previously and that looks like a very solid item, and also has a longer warranty I believe. LG panels are supposedly the same as those in the Dell, but the build quality may be slightly lower... That said, my LG is well put together and has caused me no problems thus far.

My DAL version 1 seems sharp enough in the centre when stopped down, but really pretty soft at the edges. The images posted in this thread seem better in that regard, but I'm still seeing some softness (the bottom left corners in particular). My SMC F 28-80 is a lot sharper in the corners than my DAL 18-55.

If you want a modest and very cheap upgrade / complement to the 18-55 while you're waiting, you might keep an eye out for an F series SMC 28-80. My copy of the SMC 28-80 matches / betters my 18-55 for image quality at the centre, and is vastly better than the kit lens at the edges. Maybe I've just got a good version of the SMC 28-80, or a bad copy of the 18-55..?

Note that the SMC F 28-80 is often confused with the various 'kit'versions (and the FA version), both of which are quite different. The SMC F 28-80 was expensive in its day, and scored 3.3 on the photodo website (the highly regarded F 35-70 scored 3.1, the FA version of the 28-80 just 2). It's not really quicker than the kit lens, alas, as it needs stopping down before it gets truly sharp. It's also relatively heavy, if that's an issue.

But because of the confusion with the other 28-80 versions, you can pick the SMC F 28-80 up very cheaply indeed - so it might be worth a tiny punt while you wait for a decently priced Sigma to emerge...I certainly prefer the results from mine to those I get from my version 1 kit lens, which is fine in the centre but very soft at the edges.

If you want a cheap and cheerful printer for printing homework and the like, keep an eye on the Canon ebay outlet. I picked up a refurbished MP282 all-in-one printer, copier and scanner there for £12.99 plus delivery - less than the cost of replacement ink for my old printer! Twelve month warranty too. I've had it for the best part of the year and it's still working fine. The cheapest one currently on offer is £20 plus delivery.

I've ended up here thanks to a burglar who stole my old Pentax film camera twenty years ago. He left behind my 28mm prime lens, and for the next 14 years I had that lens but no camera to put it on. When I was later choosing a DSLR I got a K100D (which I'm still using). The reviews were good, and what tipped the balance was that old 28mm lens I had, which I knew I could finally put to use. I've now got the kit lens, an M 50, and an M 75-150 - but no 28mm. I stored it at my parents' house and it got 'tidied away'. They've been assuring me 'it'll turn up' for the best part of six years now. There's no point me buying one. I already have one. It'll turn up any day. In mint condition, no doubt, given that it's barely been used...

I'm thinking of upgrading my kit though and this site has been hugely informative, so I figured I'd stop lurking and say hello. Hello!