Digital BW, The Print

Well, a month after I thought I would dive in and create my
own curves for Moab Kayenta (2200 with UC inks), I managed to
read through the docs, but otherwise have sat on my hands.

I realize now that one point of ignorance/indecision/inaction is my
complete lack of knowledge of densitometers, how they work.
with what software they might work and so on.   I have an
Eye One Display, but not Photo, so I guess I'll have to pick up
a new piece of kit to get my curve-creation groove going.

Is there any descriptions of densitometers and associated
software, their relative merits, costs and so on?  Any suggested
devices or packages?  Especially for a guy on a budget? What about
calibrating said devices?  I read the list here pretty carefully and
there seem to be a bewildering (to me) array of options, tools and
issues.

Thanks much for all and any enlightenment.

Scott