When it comes to price ($150 - $300), quality and longevity of a digital camera, which one should I go for?

hi

try this buying guide
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare....

and then check out some reviews and user comments on the models you like.

also see this page... a good article with recos
http://www.photo.net/equipment/best-digi...

canon is good brand

I wouldn't pay too much for a digital camera. Technology is advancing so quickly that even if you bought a $300 model, chances are that in a year or two that model will be considered outdated and you'll want to get a new one anyway. Camera companies already have prototypes of digital cameras that are almost as good as regular film cameras.

canon

I can't say enough about the powershot line from Canon- it's a basic camera that's easy to use for everyone.

It's in your price range, and has all the features you'd need. The battery life is decent as well.

In that price range they are all pretty equivalent. Look for which one is on sale. Important features are biggest LCD display and most optical zoom. Small size (easy to carry) might also be something to consider. Image quality (probably at least 5 megapixels) is equivalent. HP, Kodak, Nikon all offer in that range. Longevity is not an issue unless you are clumsy and might drop camera on ground (don't laugh I had a stupid relative visiting once and I put my camera onto the wall next to our driveway safely on a towel and he grabbed the towel crashing it to the ground with a major crack.)

You can get a decent point/shoot. But read a little because the major problems are usually the "laptime" and "handshake".

Sony seems good.