Good inexpensive external flash?

Was looking into getting a external flash for my nikon d3000 and wasn't sure what kind to get. If i should get a nikon brand or if there was a good off brand one. I was looking at the Vivitar 2800 automatic flash, but wasn't sure if it was any good. Don't want to spend alot.

here is the one i was looking at buying:
http://www.amazon.com/...00004TVSQ/

Added (1). Is there any better ones out there for my d3000? Is the vivitar even a good one?

It may be able to be used as a TTL flash, but there will be missing a lot of features when compared to a Nikon SB600, SB700, SB800 or SB900

The best flash for your camera is one from the same brand. Anything else would have some level of incompatibility.

Vivitar makes decent flashes. The generic ones, those with only one electrical contact on the foot are my favorites. They are not TTL but I prefer more control over the amount of light fired in manual or auto modes. Best of all, they are cheap.

In the UK you can have good ones from Jessops for £80.
they are TTL flashes available for any makes.
I got mine for a sony and it does accept wireless flash, unsure your cam offers that but it is neat if it does. It comes with a built in difuser and reflector.
not the sturdiest object but I guess this is why it is so cheap.
hope this helps.
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/67558/show.html

That 2800 is older than you are. It's almost as old as I'm. That would be my only concern… Flashes can last a long time, but they do die eventually.

That flash will work just fine with your D3000, *IF* you use it properly. You have to use your camera in manual mode for a flash like this to work. It won't work properly in automatic modes, because the camera doesn't know it's there. The guide number is 28 meters… Not an extraordinary amount of power, but absolutely better than a pop up flash.

For very little more, here is a better choice… Http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Flash-Speedlite-Yn-460ii-Pentax/dp/B003IZ9XTI/