What's the best compact camera?

I'm interested in purchasing a slimish digital camera. As has been said, "there are many to chose from". So which is the best?

I was getting quite excited about the Pentax Optio Z10 until I read the review, which goes for quite a few that I have read about, namely the Ricoh Caplio 7 and the Casio exv7sr, which all do a similar job.

Now as the reviewer did not think too highly of the Pentax can anyone possibly suggest a camera that is in that price range - approx £170 - and has not too many downers?