Instead of keeping the Flip Ultra after finding out it doesnt take external memory or take pics, I decided to get a cheap point and shoot instead. I'm looking for one under $150 but hopefully closer to $100.

I've been looking on Budget Camera Group Test (Q4 2008) Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review and it seems that the Panasonic Lumix LZ8 is a good one. If anyone else has any other recommendations, I'm open to anything.

I've got a panasonic FZ20 that I love. Great glass, decent sensor.

Buy whatever Canon PowerShot you can afford, get it in a brick & mortar store, and buy an extended warranty. I prefer ones that run on rechargeable batteries vs. AAs (unless you want to futz with rechargheable AAs.) Buy the memory card online, probably from NewEgg.

I'm generally partial to Canon in the P&S category, but Panasonic has some pretty compelling compact cameras right now.

The Panasonic LZ8 would serve you very well.

My friend who works for Dow and has been taking apart cameras in her optics facilities said that Canons can be a gamble as the CCDs made in China aren't as good as the (I forget where) other one. And that their physical build isn't that durable (not a big problem if you don't drop it).

Not sure if it's any indication, but my SD600 has developed a stuck red pixel after 3 years.

Thanks for all the recommendations guys. I'm checking out the lower end panasonics and canons to see which one would fit me best.