Pretty much everyone is right, any dSLR you can afford will be good enough for you. I researched for like 6 months before I got my cam and I still went with an entry level SLR, and not the newest model at that. I now am the proud owner of a 350D (Rebel XT to the Americans) and I love it, it's been greta to learn with.
I am now looking to upgrade my lenses sence I feel that they are limiting more than the camera. Once I have a nice selection of good lenses then I will think about a body upgrade but since this is working for me there is no need to change.
I taught myself most of the basics of photography before I got my cam, what people seem to be saying that since you don't know loads you're probs best off which ever camera "feels" best to you. I wanted a Canon since I used a Nikon for a part of my degree (D80 I belive) but I just didn't like it, I thought it was ugly and overly complex. Now I know more about cams I understand how I was very wrong but am very glad I am a canon owner. All the big companies offer pretty much the same features and will all let you take fantastic pics. You just need to pick what you like and then learn what you need. You wont need a new body for years, it will be new lenses you should want first.
Hope I was helpful, even if only a little.
PS check out;
dpreview.com
Cameralabs.com
morguefile.com/archive/classroom
these will all help you learn more about photography, camera features and such like and help you decide what sounds best for you, but TBH it will all come down to both looks and how they feel for you.
