truck opinions, please

[270man]

I bought a new Chevy Silverado 4WD pickup last summer and I'm having trouble deciding how to cover the bed. Choices have been narrowed down to a bed lid vs a cab-high camper shell. I see advantages and disadvantages in both.

The lid (hard tonneau or whatever the correct name is?) allows more visibility and looks better (the truck has a crew cab and short bed). It is clamped on and fairly easy to remove if one needs the open bed. The camper shell provides more protected gear space and it is easier to install a rack for carrying a canoe or ?? Disadvantages are reduced visibility and blocking of the bed light (top and back of cab).

Give me your experiences and opinions -- particularly with the lids. I've had a pickup with camper shell before and am pretty familiar with the pros and cons.

Thanks, 270man