In the compact zoom class, I like the Panasonic DMC TZ5 (they may have a new model coming out, probably the TZ7). This is small and has good zoom, and seems to take pretty decent pictures. Like all the compacts, the tiny sensor means more noise, particularly at higher ISO, but that's the price you pay for the ultra-compact these days.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonictz5/
If you want better quality pics and faster lens at the expense of less zoom, then the Panasonic DMC LX3 seems to be garnering a bit of an enthusiastic following:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmclx3/
The Canon G10 also gets some good reviews - they all seem to have their little quirks, but it's something to compare:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08091702canon_g10.asp
Of course there are lots of others, but these are some of the ones that captured my attention when I was looking around recently. I don't own any yet (I still have my old Canon G3), but it's fun to look!
Neil
p.s. Another interesting thread here comparing the LX3 to the G10:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=550521
And a thread on crazyguyonabike discussing this some more:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum...read_id=123185