tripod vs monopod

[Capt. Insane]

When I got my new camera last year, I got it off eBay and it came with a tripod. It's not a very good one, but it's light and does a decent enough job. I'm looking for something to replace it, probably to ask for Christmas, but I'm not sure what to go with. I'm looking for something light, easily portable, and easy to use. My dad has a more professional tripod (one without a panhandle) that is very sturdy and is also a good height, but it's very confusing to use. Granted, at times a tripod is good to have so I can set up shots and be in them myself, but I could always get a tiny one (had one I found in England, but it broke. Good thing I didn't buy it) that I could keep in my camera bag. Ideally, I want something I can quickly detach the camera from and sling it over my shoulder while I walk to a new spot to photograph from. I realize that a tripod is going to be more sturdy, but it's not as easily moved from place to place and I really only need something as an extra support when I'm using my telephoto/macro lens (though I've taken great shots without a tripod using that lens). I'd also be using it for things like stitched panoramas; what I mean by this is I take a number of shots and stitch them together in photoshop to form a panorama. These need to be a little sturdier so they'll stitch together better. What do you guys think, monopod or tripod? Also, is it possible to get a good, sturdy tripod that still has the swivel top on it with a panhandle? I like these, but I realize that they're more for use with camcorders. The main issue with mine is that the swivel top isn't very accurate; I can have something perfectly aligned then when I go to tighten everything, the camera still moves.