What should I look for in a function generator?

[BBQLS1]

What should I look for in a function generator? I'm a total newbie in this area.

[tarzanalog]

For what intended usage?

[s2]

Able to generate a sine wave with adjustable frequency and amplitude. -20dB pad is helpful. Sweep function can come in handy.

[NitroWoman]

I like this one for home use.
http://www.techedu.com/Elenco_FG-500K.asp

And at work I have an old HP3325B.

[tarzanalog]

http://www.nch.com.au/tonegen/index.html

I've got an old B&K, too... but I use this software because I can save various test tone profile to my Axim and take them with me wherever I go.

[BBQLS1]

For what intended usage?

I guess to run into the input of my amp and see what is happening after each stage. I'm not really that familiar with Oscopes and stuff, though I have a couple.

[KenMoon]

You can just get an XR2206 chip for about 10 bucks on eBay including shipping, and make your own sine wave generator real cheap.

http://www.exar.com/products/XR2206v103.pdf

Google the FG-500K that NitroWoman mentioned above, which uses this chip, and copy the schematic, or you can use the circuits in the datasheet. You can get a good output using any 9-volt or 12-volt wall wart for power.