So what did I buy?
I went with the Canon PS A80, available for $349 at B&H.
It's a bit bulkier than some other models, but it has that handy twisting LCD screen and runs on AA batteries. Still working my way through the 200-page manual, but I am impressed with what this little camera can do.
Here are a few pictures taken on a recent ski trip:
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mhw...bum?.dir=/d7b0
BTW, can anybody recommend a good book on digital photography? I need to bone up on light-metering, custom modes, etc.