The DiMAGE Z1 is a strange shape but a good quality camera.
Konica Minolta are releasing some new models soon though - DiMAGE Z3, DiMAGE Z10 so it might be worth waiting a little.

You won't find a better long zoom camera for cheaper than these models

I am certainly in no rush, I have only just started looking into the camera world and I like to make an informed choice so I will have time to look at these new models coming out.