AceM2's Journal: Video Cards

I just got back from the mall a little while ago and I'm trying to figure out what video card to buy. I'll probably order online to get a decent price, but there are so many different cards out right now. I've been away for 2 months and then when I walk into the store there are about 10 different "New" video cards. Each box has comparisons to cards that make it look favorable, but they tend to not compare themselves to anything else on the shelf. It's always compared to the past 3 releases and "lite" editions, so I don't have any real guide. Anyone out there who keeps track of hardware want to guide me in the right direction? I'm not looking to spend over $250, so I don't want the latest and greatest. I just don't want to accidentally buy some piece of garbage when I could have gotten a good card for the same price. Right now I'm looking at some hardware review sites, but it's like... This card rules! But wait... This one rules too! How am I supposed to figure out which is better? :P