Do we have any camera/photography enthusiasts here?

I'm wanting to graduate out of the point and shoot world (considering my phone can do that if the need arises), and move up to an SLR.  I wanting to spend less than $1000.  And I'm wanting to get something before March when I head to PAX East 2011 and WrestleMania.  So, I'm looking for any recommendations and/or an education on this stuff.  I've been watching cnet reviews, but I don't know what I'm doing really.
 
My sister got this one as a wedding gift back in September and seems to like it alot.   http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-eos-rebel-t2i/4505-6501_7-33974698.html

The T2i is a great starter's DSLR; it shoots at a good speed, takes nice pictures (even with the kit lens), and is eminently usable.
 
I'm also a fan of the Sony Alpha a350, but only if you can get it without the kit lens (which is total horse-shit); if you can, it can be replaced with a huge selection of Minolta lenses, and the results are great. It's a bit of a slow shooter, but I'd happily sacrifice that for the great sensor and the compatibility with an enormous number of high-quality, easy to find lenses. I also think the menu-system is superior to Canon's, but that boils down more to personal preference.

There are some amazing articles on Tested.com about everything you need to know camera.
 
I heartily suggest just going there, typing 'camera' in the search field, and looking through some articles. I'll start you off on this one though: How to best spend a $600 digital camera budget.