Get the Sony Alpha A230 for $699 including a kit lens!
Can't beat that deal!
You can if you contact MS Color or Cathay. Good deals on the Alphas.
To TS:
With a budget of about 1-1.2k, do consider an Alpha 500. It's quite excellent, with built-in HDR, tilting LCD screen with quick AF live view (great for concerts and street shooting) and works with all old Minolta AF and new Sony lenses.