I've decided to upgrade. I want to spend about $100.
I want a unit with
* camera
* one-button return
* plug-in components (instead of soldering)
* spare parts available
* USA (preferably Amazon) distributor
ended up getting a UDI 818A HD. seems to have all the features I want.
$99 on Amazon. got spare parts too (free shipping!)
they have a non-HD version cheaper. the HD has the return function and a few other goodies.