Well, as you can see its a Jungle out there and you are spoiled for choice.
So here are my thoughts.........
Go for a decent optical zoom, as you can do as much digital zoom as you want using your PC.
Make sure that if you are planning on printing any of your pics, that you get a camera that can handle the size of print. (I.E. If your want to print an 8x10 photo, then a 2 mega pixel prob wont be enough)
I was looking at a few when i bought mine, but there was a v good offer going for the Minolta 7i (half original price) so i went for it and i dont regret it.
5 Mega pixel
28 - 200 mm Zoom (35mm eq)
Only thing i found that is a pain is when you take a pic on the highest resolution (15Meg file), it takes an age for the camera to store the pic on the memory.
Reviews of the Minolta 7i