People would recommend the 1000D but i say why not the 500D?
It should be on sale by the time you are buying it (december).
It is a newly launched camera, or you could also get it's predecessor, the 450D which i believe the price would be lower.
The 450D or 500D would be more versatile and allow you to use it for a good period of time.
It does not need to be changed anytime soon so you can use the extra money on more lenses!
Marie