and yes, I do know that now new models are out, but the controls, certainly the zoom toggler seem not to have changed.

one more here who feels the same.
Though a have been quite a fan of panasonic these last years, when comparing the Panasonic FX01 to the Ricoh R4 I prefer above all the zoom toggler of the Ricoh much to the Pana's. The Ricoh has it placed on the back side of the body pushing a longish button on the right or left,while the small Panas have a wheel-like toggler with a small notch portruding on the front of the body. Have you ever tried them? I find the Ricoh's MUCH better to control! - generally I like the controls of the Ricoh superior to the Pana.