I searched for quite a while before choosing my CCW. (Gun shows, gun stores and internet for about 2 months)I chose Springfield XD9 sub compact.
Naybor is right about the Hi-Point. It seems that people either love it or hate it. The pistol is large and ugly but so what? I hear that they rattle when shaken, but they are supposed to. Hmmm, OK
I am probably going to purchase one of their carbines some time in the future just to try it out.
From what I hear the Kel Tec is a good piece to own.
My advice, which seems what you are doing, is to spend a while looking but always keep in mind What you want and why.
I wanted something larger than .380, reliable, pretty accurate and small enough to conceal. I could have gotten the xd .40 sub compact or .45 sub compact but I didn't care to deal with recoil issues, if there are any, in an emergency situation. Therefore I felt the xd9 sub compact was perfect FOR ME.
:triniti: Good luck.