[Shop-talk] digital caliper vs. dial caliper?

[BJNoSHOV8]

I've decided I might upgrade my old vernier caliper to a digital or dial 
caliper.  This is for light hobby use.

1.  Which is preferred- digital or dial?  Digital seems easier to use 
but I worry about how long electronic tools such as this will last.  I 
don't want to put it in a drawer and pull it out a year later only to 
find that it doesn't work anymore.
2.  I notice that Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, Harbor Freight all sell both 
types.  Harbor Freight is quite a bit cheaper, and has a wide range of 
reviews.  Should I buy one of these or search ebay for the occasional 
deal on a better brand?  and what brand(s) should I look for to get 
quality at a reasonable price?