Saw some newer models the other day, if I was looking again I would take a hard look at these two.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat04002
3.2 MP 6X Optical Zoom $299
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat04002
3.1 MP 10X Optical Zoom $399
If I had the money to blow I would want this one
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....uct&cmp=%20%20
6.3 MP SLR Type IIRC Will Use Regular Cannon EOS Lenses $999
Another 6 months to a year and it may be quite reasonable though.