Thanks for your help Richard! I'll be arriving in Rome & staying mainly in that area. If anyone has recommendations for good shops at the airport or elsewhere in Rome, I'd appreciate your advice.
Also, i came across this site while researching:
http://www.saveonroaming.net/Home.html
And it seems to say that it's important to get a special "Codice Fiscale" before purchasing a SIM in Italy. Anyone have experience with this part of the process, or know whether it's absolutely necessary?
Thanks again!