After reading a bunch of reviews, I've decided upon one of these two cameras.

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Silver 8.0 MP Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot SD870 IS Silver 8.0 MP 28mm Wide Angle Digital Camera

I need something for vacation and parties. I don't how important a viewfinder is, like on the SD1100. I've heard that on a camera so small, it really doesn't work that well. I'm just worried that on bright sunny days, I wouldn't be able to see the lcd. But I've read that the newer camera lcds don't have that problem.

The wide angle lens on the SD870 sounds like it would be a good feature for when I am on vacation, and want to take pictures of buildings and landscape.

Which is best for someone like me, who knows nothing about cameras and just wants something to pull out of my pocket and take pictures? And maybe some more options if I want to try to get artistic or something?

Every time I think I'm close to deciding, I change my mind at the last minute!

The SD1100 is smaller, and this month I have a promo code to get it for 200 bucks US. I'm drunk now, so I'll wait until I am sober again to make my decision, but it being smaller and a bargain may be the deal breaker.

Although I read on the Amazon.com forum that the SD870 has more manual controls. That sounds good if I ever want to get more serious and experiment with photo settings, but I really don't know have valuable those manual controls would be. And it does have the wide angle lens.

Well, I'll sober up, make a decision, and hopefully I can get some feedback by then. Then again, it's PI Independence this weekend, so I'll be drunk for a spell!

I think in general, the SD870 is going to be better than the SD1100. I know the SD1000 is a cheap camera, and I'm guessing the SD1100 is a replacement to that model.

Also, if you can, buy from amazon.com. It's usually cheaper than newegg, no sales tax, and free shipping.