I ended up with a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and a separate Manfrotto head 324RC2 with light duty grip ball head. They are both easy to use, light weight but sturdy enough and within budget for my level of expertise. I'm excited to have it. I liked the "trigger" grip for getting it in place - fewer knobs to have to adjust (and thus less danger of me pulling and twisting things without using the proper knobs. So what do you think? I would never think of you as a "tripod snob", Keith!
Now that I can see the vote distribution I really like the new voting.
Keith, I do like the new way of voting and Marilyn I also have the Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod with the pistol grip ball head. I changed the grip to be able to use it with my left hand which made it easier to take the picture with the right hand. I really like mine and have used it for couple of years now with no problems.