I (the husband, here.

) just picked up a FitBit Zip from Target. They run about $50 (I paid about $35 because of the color, check your local store) or so but are more than just a step counter. You can sync it with their website via a wireless dongle that comes in the package and use it to monitor your steps per day, activity level throughout the day, calories burned, food intake, water intake, and several other items.
You can also download an app for your smartphone to help you manage your data input and (depending on the phone and FitBit type) can possibly sync through your phone, too.
Sure, some of it is manual entry, but I've discovered that I am a lot more active on more days than I realized. Since I'm on my feet a lot at work, it was a surprise to us all to see exactly HOW much activity I put in.
check out
my FitBit profile to get a basic idea of what the standard info that you can monitor is. I am not as solid on the food monitoring as I could be, but it *is* something that makes me pay closer attention to what I'm putting into my body. I fully think that this will be a big help in trying to lose weight.
I'm really happy with the FitBit.