Personally, I don't see the advantage of HDD cameras -- (internal 'moving parts' device - more to go wrong?

).
With the price of SDHC cards now reasonably cheap - and falling - you might like to consider some of the card only cameras. You'd probably get more bang for your bucks, if you don't have to pay for the internal HDD.
I like Panasonic cameras - my SD5 is now about 18 months old and has performed flawlessly - but everyone has their favourite makes.
There really is no substitute for 'hands on' though. Just because a camera gets a good review doesn't make it ideal for you.
Do you want a viewfinder, or are you happy with using the LCD for framing?
Do you want an auto only camera - or would you prefer to have the option to adjust focus manually? And then would you prefer a manual focus ring, or would you be happy to use an LCD menu to activate the function?
Unfortunatley the list is endless. Most models have been reviewed online, and it can be useful to read through those to find the functions that appeal to you. But in the end, it probably would be a good idea to try and handle any models you like the look of, before purchase.
One thing I would suggest, that often gets 'pushed into the long grass', so to speak.
If you can, go for a camera with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) rather than for one with Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS). OIS cameras can generally produce much more stable images, especially when hand held.