No, I didn't get new tabs because I don't think mine are broken, I just wonder if that might work out to be a more permanent fix. It's looking like we might not be moving for a few more months, so I've got a little more time to play with. If you think we can fix it permanently without changing the tabs, I'd rather save the money.
As for a camera, I'm wanting to buy one for my trip but that might have to wait for the tax return to come in. The one I have now is 3.2 MP and does great still shots if you just want to put together a regular HOW TO, but the video isn't very good quality.
If we have enough Seattle area folks, I'd be up for a mini-meet / window fix party. Olympia is fine for me, or my house is about 30 minutes North of there if we can't come up with a better location. I've got all the basic tools and live in a cul de sac so there would be plenty of parking room. A sunny, pleasant, weekend day in the PNW wouldn't be too much to hope for, would it?