Digital BW, The Print

FYI - also posted this on digital fineart list.

Some guidance please on profiling my monitor. As someone new to the 
digital darkroom, I am trying to match the prints on my Epson 1270 
printer to the image on my monitor (windows computer, Photoshop 7). 
From lurking for awhile and checking the message boards I understand 
the importance of profiling my monitor. I am considering ColorVision 
and ColorBlind products as well as a LaCie solution. In looking at 
reviews of the ColorVision Spyder at InkJet Mall and some old posts, 
Jon Cone seems to prefer the ColorBlind Prove It system but strongly 
promotes the ColorVision Spyder on the InkJet web site. My 
understanding is that the former has more control and the latter has 
an easier user interface. In looking at Harald Johnson's, Bruce 
Fraser's, and Barry Hayne's books there does not seem to be a strong 
preference for one over the other and little mention of the LaCie 
system.

Any suggestions on which to use for someone new to the digital 
darkroom? How do these systems compare to a LaCie monitor which you 
can purchase with a dedicated hardware puck? Does the LaCie approach 
give you even more control? I ask this because I am in the market for 
a new monitor as well. 

I understand that once I profile my monitor, I will still have to use 
canned profiles or have a profile made to help match my prints to the 
monitor? It looks like various companies sell software and devices to 
assist in making profiles of your own but it is not clear to me 
whether there is an affordable option (sub-$1000) for profiling my 
prnter. Suggestions on this?

Thank you for your help,
John