I have several digital cameras ranging from a cheapo Olympus to a Canon Digital SLR and I've been using digital cameras since the days of the 1/2 Megapixel Kodak’s.
The Sony seems to be very highly rated. The sample photos look great, but they always do. The one issue I would have with the Sony (and why I never buy Sony products if I can avoid it) is that it uses its own proprietary type of memory. I know that it is relatively common these days but SD is far more common. For example almost every laptop has a built in SD reader. Only a Sony MAY have and memory stick slot. (my Sony laptop does not) If you have a Sony TV it may have an memory stick reader, but many TVs have an SD reader.
I have a Panasonic Lumix FX150 and have to say I am not thrilled with the quality of the images. With a Lumix lens you would expect it to have a nice sharp picture, but they squeezed way too many pixels on to the sensor.
The one you are looking at is only 10 megapixels so it may not be as bad. Battery life was not bad at all, but a backup never hurts.
In addition the photos need a lot of adjusting after the fact to make them pop. I expect a point in shoot to take nice photos with little or no post processing.
I would recommend going to the local shop and touching the cameras if you can.
Sometimes they seem very small, but you may find that it will not fit in your pocket.
For example the lens of the Sony looks like it may be an issue when you put it in your pocket. I think the Panasonic will fit in a pocket no problem, it looks very similar to the FX150.
Not to confuse you more but for other brands to consider I have several Canon overall and really like them, but I am very disappointed with the picture quality and build quality of the SD1200. (the SD1100 was much better, but that is no longer made)
Before you buy I would take a look at this site.
http://www.dpreview.com/
They have sample images from most cameras, in depth reviews and forums for each brand.
Another good site is
http://www.steves-digicams.com/ he has recommendations at each price point and he has been around for years.
One last thing. Make sure you use the camera for several days before you go.
I purchased the Canon SD1200 before my trip to Europe last summer and it died on the 54th picture. I had taken about 30 at home just to get used to it, so I assumed it would be OK. Luckily I had the Panasonic as a backup. So if you have an old one bring it just in case.