My Camera Search

I'm on the search for an affordable Nikon... all the great bloggers have them.  Different sorts of course.  And not that I'm saying I'm at the same caliber of blogging as them, but I'd like to be... and I'd like to be able to share photos I'm not embarrassed by. 

I've been actively Ebaying, Craiglisting, and Sale Shopping for any version that is better than my current camera. 

I currently use a Cannon.  A Cannon Powershot. 
It's nice, but needs a trip to the shop for just a quick clean-up/maintenance. 
It's about 5 years old.  Perfect time to upgrade...
And my mom already said she wants it!  Yay!

Plus, I want something that I could use for more things.  I want something that takes beautiful shots that I can tamper with a bit - zoom, focus, blurr, etc - so I'm on the hunt. 

A Nikon D3100 or A Nikon D3000

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Right now, the Nikon D3100 is on sale at Target for $639.  I'm still in denial that this type of camera will cost me so much, but I'm willing to make the sacrifice to have it.  My last one was around $300 back in the day...
Here's the description of the camera:

Take professional-quality photos of everyday events with this digital SLR camera by Nikon. Featuring 14.2 megapixels, full manual operation, vibration reduction technology and 1080p HD movie recording, this compact SLR comes with a quality 18-55mm VR autofocus lens perfect for hobbyists and professionals.

I think I'm in love... it says I can take professional quality photos! That's what I want!  And I want it before I have a baby!  hehe... Did you hear read that Mr. K?

But there are also older models/versions available out there. 

I'd like to stay under $800 if possible... that seems like a crazy amount of money to spend on a camera, but it will probably save me money and also I'm guessing there will be more of my own prints that I'll be able to use.  I'm just looking for something to give my photos a bit cleaner look.  This mostly limits me to the entry-level models in each manufacturer's range — such as the Canon EOS 1100D or the Nikon D3100.

I'm also thinking about the D40...which I can't tell from reviews if it's an older version or newer and if it's a lower or higher model.  I'm thinking both older and lower.  Hmmm....
Anyways, it's got great reviews on ease of use, great photos, shutter speed for action shots, etc.  Hmmm...

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Does anyone have any suggestions on how to choose the right camera?  Where to go for the best reviews?  Where to go for good insight?  I'm kind of lost...