best flash for my budget

I want to get some off-camera lighting with a $200 budget (+ -).

I have a Sony a33, so I don't know if I should go with the overpriced proprietary stuff or take some of the suggestions over at the Strobist blog.

I don't foresee ever getting more than one light as I'm not doing professional portraits for pay. I merely want to get good shots for special family occasions as well as good product shots for my web store. The only light I have right now is a ring light (not a ring flash) with about a 5' max distance from subject, i.e. good for products, not so much for portraits.

Thanks for the advice!