[rodi]

if you're gonna get a kit lens, might as well get a prosumer point and shoot like the Canon G10.
better yet, if you're gonna use any lens that has f/3.5-f/5.6 in the name, just get a point and shoot.

i only say that because i have a thing against zoom lenses. they inhibit creativity. when you're forced to use a single focal length all the time, you start to think of how you can capture what you want creatively - you'll think more about angles and points of view. it expands your mind and how you think about composition. a zoom is like a lazyboy recliner.
however, this doesn't apply to certain situations where a zoom is beneficial - like sports photography and studio work.

not trying to offend anyone that uses zooms or sound like a pompous ass - it's just something i've learned from experience and has been proven in the results of students when i used to teach university photography courses.