I bought two of these a couple of weeks ago at Costco: http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/pure-guardian-h4500-ultrasonic-warm-cool-mist-humidifiers.html I am pretty pleased with them so far.

fyi: jmarket just closed in october.

I just found a really cheap (i.e., free) humidifier for apartment dwellers. It's called a bathtub. Whenever I take a warm bath, I get out of the tub and leave the water in it until the next day. As time passes, the water in the tub evaporates and humidifies the air. I also wash things in the sink and hang them in the bathroom; it gives the same effect. Just leave the bathroom door open in either case, and you can end up with much, if not al, of your apartment humidified.

Love the bathtub suggestion. Thanks for the idea!

I had a humidifier a few years ago but got rid of it because of the frequent maintenance/cleaning required in the manual. I had to open it up and scrub the metal heating element with vinegar practically after every use. The compartment was really hard to fit my hand into and I never felt like I was doing a good job cleaning it. The element looked like it had scale on it after cleaning, which made me nervous that I was just blowing mold and disease into the air, along with the mist.

Have companies changed the way humidifiers work? Is there a manufacturer that doesn't require so much hands on upkeep?

This one looks good. I love humidifiers so that I make my home moisture balanced.
Honeywell humidifiers best:

http://www.cleanairheat.ca/humidifiers.php

The only problem with honeywell is a tendancy of the filter to become moldy, but this is easily remedied by adding 1/16 Cup or so of ammonia to each of 2 reservoirs that you fill with water. This will ward off the mold. Buy extra filters. Honeywell is very quiet relative to the amount of humidity that it puts out. I fix it from
http://www.bergenrefrigeration.com/heating_systems.htm

I am agree to have best humidifiers for your home like whole house humidifier. The humidifier came with everything required for the installation...except tools. The installation was pretty simple. I think the hardest part was cutting into the air duct. The only tiny hiccup was at the end where I had to slightly shave down a plastic piece obligatory to go through a hole for connection to drain hose. The humidifier works great and again it was a super trouble-free install. Goodman is a good choice!

I am agree with you that in cold weather it is a need to get best humidifier.

We use a number of humidifiers at home especially during winter months to prevent colds and flu. This is a must have especially when you have kids and husband who is asthmatic too. http://www.vaporeze.com/