Camera recommendations

Hello

I currently have a Canon PowerShot A1000 IS . I am looking for a new camera. I really like the A1000 and would like something like that. The only thing I did not like was the double A batteries since it did not hold a very long charge and I always had to carry many batteries. Also, I am looking for something with a bit more optical zoom ( more than 4x) and probably in the Canon line.

Any recommendations?

thanks
Pingme