I'm really not qualified to give any sort of detailed answers, here. I did my "research" during spare moments where I'd hit a manufacture's site, look around a bit, download any pdf's that looked interesting, then moved on down the road. Didn't keep notes or anything like that.
You don't really need to spend "hours of research" but rather just do a few casual visits over time. The big advantge to you is that you will quickly answer your own questions without any overlay of my prejudice!
Learn and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!