logic family selection

[autir]

Hello all.
Recently I discovered that the TTL ICs praised in my books are in reality power hungry, ancient technologies - even the LS variant I have used to make some simple circuits.
 I would like you to propose an alternate logic family. I would like the following characteristics:

• DIP package or something suitable for stripboards. NO SMDs.
• wide array of functions.
• low price.
• low power consumption.
• wide array of voltages, suitable for battery operation. 9v could be nice, but 2.4 volts (two NiMH AAs) would be better.
• easy to find.

After a search in the Internet, I am between 4000 and 74HC...
any thoughts?