I have a Kodak easy share, cx3400.
It's not the best camera but for the price I am really happy with it. It has so many features yet is easy to use. Takes decent pics and is really durable. It is also easy to load. I am not sure if it is the type of batteris I have (sony I think) but they last quite a while. I was really surprised.

If you have the money though I reccomend Cannon. Thats about the best type of camera out there, always has been & probably always will be, IMO anyways.
I have always had Cannon when dig's were not produced yet and if money would allow it I'd continue to stick with Cannon. I have a real nice 35mm cannon (used to have 2 but sold one when I got my dig.) I am VERY happy with it.