If you happen to have an Advance Auto Parts nearby, they happen to carry Streetglow products. A much larger selection than Auto Zone.
In particular, Streetglow's Optx line:
http://www.optxbysg.com/elneonstring.shtml
The 5 foot string I picked up is ready to be hard-wired to a 12v supply and comes with a tiny 1"x1"x1" transformer.
Advance also carries 4 large pre-wired LED's (looks like 5mm) for $9.00.
Prices are a tad high, but for some of us noobs that like "hands on" stuff we can wrap our brains around, it'll do in a pinch.
