Why would you complain about a cam and then recommend 2 additional cams that have exactly the same flaws that you just mentioned plus some of thier own? I'm guessing you didn't know that those other cams have plastic "lenses" and digital only zooms.
Obviously the point of buying the Aiptek is...
Don't update the firmware. If your cam has v. 1.6 the sound an performance is better than the newer buggy 2.02 firmware. 1.6 also gives you 4x digital zoom as stated on the package. Fishymods has a bunch of info on Youtube so check out his vids if you have any questions.