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So a lawyer tells me $5,000. Google Adwords says as little as $200. Is it better to do it myself or get a cheapie provisional patent online? Can I hurt my chances of a full patent if my provisional patent isn't any good?

http://www.patent-patent.com/ has a $199 provisional patent service. Bad idea?

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No-one actually reads provisional applications. Just write up everything you've got, include disks etc, and send it to PTO - pay only $100 fee.

But lets say that I want to have more information, more inventions, even, in the final patent. Am I limited at all by the corresponding provisional patent or is it irrelevant?

As far as I understand, your provisional patent will come into play only if a priority issue arises. For example, someone files a related patent after your provisional but before your full application. That's the way my lawyer explained it to me.

When you file yourself (pro se), the PTO is gentler and kinder than they are if a lawyer files for you. If you have the time and energy, file now to get the early filing date and call a lawyer later.

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