Sync speed depends as much (if not more) on the camera as it does flash. The camera is the limiting factor, regardless of whether the flash is the built-in one or not. Generally speaking, the camera will have the same maximum sync with buil-in or secondary flash units.Just about any flash you can buy will sync with just about any camera that can accept the flash.
Cac's list is pretty much the long and short of external flash units.
Personally, I use a Vivitar 283. It's an ancient design, as far as technology goes, but it's one of the best. It's a fully manual flash, so it doesn't get metering info from the camera (like a really modern flash does) but it's got a super high guide number (120, basically about as powerful as one can get in a compact unit). I have heard a rumour that it doesn't work on new DSLRs, but I have no confirmation on that; in fact I highly doubt it's true.
Plus I can vaporize the ink off newsprint at close range. 
If you want one that will DEFINITELY work with your camera, you can't go wrong with one made by the manufacturer. I know the Canon and Nikon speedlights are pretty damn good, though they can be pretty expensive.
Better yet, go here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showcat.php?cat=30
Ignore teh Canon 420EX, that's been replaced with the 430, which is apparently better.
Okay, back to my Lin Alg . . . sigh. . .
[ 09-28-2006: Message edited by: AcidWarp ]
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“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”
--Dr. Stephen Hawking.
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posted 09-28-2006 02:16 PM
One thing I thought about was a proper flash. Some of them seem pretty pricey but also get rave reviews on Amazon. I know this probably sounds retarded but can some describe to me in simple terms the benefits of using a secondary flash as opposed to the built-in one?
