Tripod question / advice

[TheGoofster]

In November, we are heading back to the states for a quick trip, and while we are there I plan on getting a new camera, but I also am in need of a new tripod (my current one is on it's last leg). Since I am having to do all of my research right now on-line, I was hoping that perhaps I could get some of your opinions about tripods.

Right now I am looking at 2 different ones in particular, and I was wondering what all of you thought about these 2 models (if one seems better than the other, or if I should look at something else).
The 2 models are:

1) Dynex® - 60" Universal Tripod. Best Buy has it for $38.99. here's a link to it: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8241048&st=tripod&type=product&id=1168044601803

or

2) Vista Explorer 60" Lightweight Tripod with Tripod Bag. I could order this ahead of time through Amazon for 35.56 (plus a few dollars for shipping). Here's the link for it:
http://www.amazon.com/Vista-Explore...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1254671320&sr=8-2

Does anyone have any familiarity with either of these 2 models? Would you recommend one over the other? Are there certain features listed that would make one more preferable than the other?

I don't mind spending a bit more if you have another recommendation, but if possible I would like to try to keep it under $50.

I appreciate any feedback about this.

 

[YesDear]

Here is a good article by Tom Hogan on what you should look for in tripods.

 

[C&B Young]

1) Dynex® - 60" Universal Tripod. Best Buy has it for $38.99. here's a link to it: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8241048&st=tripod&type=product&id=1168044601803

Does anyone have any familiarity with either of these 2 models? Would you recommend one over the other? Are there certain features listed that would make one more preferable than the other?

We've got the Dynex one. Picked it up at the Henry's camera show for $9. For that price, it's a decent tripod. We got it because our other tripod didn't have the bubble levels. For what best Buy is charging though, I'd shop around. You might be better off spending a bit more to get a higher-quality tripod that you can grow into.