I've had good results with a drip system in my patio pots. Regarding the dripper type, I like the Rain Bird SXB-series Xeri Bubblers on a stake (a "SPYK") because they are adjustable from 0 to 13 GPH, which is great for different sized pots, sun/shade, different potting soil types, etc. You can also get the emitter that plugs directly into your poly tubing. The downside: they probably retail for $1 or so at an irrigation distributor, so that may not be a practical option for a lot of plants. The upside: adjustability.

Regarding watering times, in the peak of the Texas summer, my system is set to come on for 1 minute, 4 times per day. Usually the on times are something like 9:00, 12:00, 3:00, and 6:00. When I see little or no water flowing into the saucers or onto the concrete, then I know that my watering intervals and volumes are about right.

Timers: I happened to have an unused irrigation valve available, and I added a pressure regulator, and run it off of the irrigation controller. Otherwise I'd look for a faucet timer that can water as little as 1 minute, and as often as 4 times per day. It seems like all faucet timers work great for about a year, then malfunction due to water in the battery or circuit board. DIG Corp. makes an easy-to-use electronic timer that has a 3 year warranty, so we'll see if it's better than the rest. I saw the DIG timer at Home Depot for about $33. Don't know about the 2-zone timer, but it sounds promising.

Finally, hand watering pots is a pain. A good and well-timed adjustable micro-spray/drip system, along with a good potting mix and a good quality slow release fertilizer (Osmocote) will give you excellent results long after your 2 week vacation. Good luck.