> What the heck is a "dock?" Several of the models I am looking at mention that.
>
The dock is how you connect the camera to the computer. I use a USB cable to connect and upload pictures to my hard drive. I could also buy a dock that you set the camera in that does the same thing and usually more.

> Also, I'd like to have some zoom for those long shots, but I also need to do extreme close-ups. I'd like to have a camera that would photograph a fingerprint, but if it will show newsprint clearly, I would be satisified.

To get a really good zoom, you would need to spend quite a bit and get an SLR camera (like a Canon). You should get at least a 3X optical zoom, 4X or 5X if possible. That just uses the lens and is all mechanical. The digital zoom can get you closer but can affect the sharpness of the picture since that is an electronic zoom. Digital zoom usually goes up to 10X or more.

> And if they say X amount of "built in memory," does that mean that the camera doesn't use a removeable chip? I like taking the chip out of my camera and inserting it into my HP 100 printer so that I can unload it without running down the camera batteries.
>

Usually the camera has a small amount of built in memory, like 16 Mb. This will let you take a few good quality pictures but you'll run out of room quickly. I don't know of any cameras that don't also have a slot for a memory card. If you stay with HP, it will use the same type of memory card (I'm guessing) as your printer can use. The two types you will likely run into are Compact Flash and Secure Digital. Just make sure the type the camera needs matches the printer. You usually buy this memory separately from the camera and can often find good deals. I would get at least 256 Mb on the card.

> I also like using AA or AAA batteries, because of availability. I don't have much luck with rechargeables anyway.
>

I would encourage getting rechargeables. I use Energizer AAs and charge one set while using another. It will be an initial upfront cost but digital cameras go through standard batteries really fast, especially if you are using the flash and the monitor a lot. The rechargeables are made to last longer in the camera and in lifetime use.

Good luck!

Ferrick