Sensor board using accelerometer

Hi all,
I have to design a sensor board to interface with a wireless sensor node (the TELOSB MOTE) and I will need to be able to read 2 pqrqmeters: Temperature and mechanical vibration. The temperature part isn't an issue, since I guess a thermitor would give me voltage changes as temperature varies.
My problem is the vibration side of things... Apparently, accelerometers would be of good use for such a requirement BUT I do not have any clue of how they work, what they measure, if they give analogue or digital signals, what kind I should use, what voltage range they output...etc .
I need some references, websites, blogs or anykind of usefull info please...

Holla back!!

All you want to know. Be sure to search through the app notes.
Analog Devices: iMEMS® Accelerometers :: MEMS and Sensors

To Mikebits,
That really helps...Thanks. Still have to find the appropriate IC for my application but the choice is pretty broad... Thanks again!

**broken link removed**

They are cheaper than Analog Devices and not as good but fine for most applications.