Does anyone have experience with one?

I'm a complete novice but have had a couple of DSLRs and point and shoots. My ideal would be a relatively compact camera that takes great shots without much input from me. The uses would be at get togethers with family and friends, travel and walking around (e.g., NYC). Is a fixed focal length camera (I believe that is the vernacular) only for someone that knows what they're doing? Also, and this may sound bad, but I would like a camera that is asthetically pleasing and enjoyable to handle. I want to want to pick it up and take pictures, carry along, etc. I have not found that I do that with the other cameras I have owned.

Other cameras likely in consideration are the X10 (once the new sensor cameras are on the street), G12, etc.

No immediate purchase is planned, I just want to focus my research.

Thanks in advance!