Digital Camera help!

So the time has come to finally replace my digital camera. It has done me well as I bought it back in June 2000...so 6 years for a digital camera, not bad.  However, it is time...as it is like having a walkman when the discmen came out...just doesn't cut it!  However, I'm torn on what route to go...as I have become someone that enjoys taking photographs.  I do not just want a point and shoot camera.  I want some manual controls but I still want it to be compact.  I do not need a "walkman" replacement so to speak:)  I use Adobe photoshop so quality pictures would be nice and I can edit if need be;-)  Obviously I want it to be useful for taking photos at oh say...those running races;-) So I ask the internet world for some suggestions...here are some that I found interesting...but if anyone else has some input I'd love to hear it:) 

Here's some reviews of cameras I found "interesting":

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S800/S800A.HTM

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a700-review/index.shtmlhttp://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a700.html

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A620/A620A.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SD550/SD55A.HTMhttp://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SD500/SD50A.HTM