i have a Sony W1 and T1. both fantastic cameras. I sell digital cameras on ebay. i highly recommend the Sony's (like the two i have) and the Canons. I find the Canon S500 to be very popular. Some Sonys have a 2.5" lcd which is really sweet. also be aware of battery types. The T1 uses a special lithium battery. if youre somewhere and the battery dies, you cant just walk into 711 and buy some duracells (you can with the W1 and W5).
while I prefer Sony, the memory sticks are unreasonably overpriced.

especially the new ones, the Duo. Canon uses compact flash, which is realllly affordable. just something to keep in mind.
ive had Kodak. very user-friendly but not the best stuff out there. my Kodak was not very battery efficient. it would die on my at the worst times. ive had my sony for about six months and only recharged the batteries
once