I always seem to be in a dilemma...

Note: I've been having some trouble with the laptop I use, on which is stored all my photos, documents, etc., so please be patient with me for not posting as often as I would like to. Since I don't have access to my files, its a little bit hard to put together a post with pictures taken by me, and also because I don't really have anywhere to upload new pictures. In the meantime though, I'm trying to figure out which camera I should get (after I save up the money) so...I'd love it if y'all could give me your opinions! :)

The first-choice camera I'm considering is the Canon EOS Rebel T2i--but it would be the hardest on the bank. Another aspect of the search I have to keep in mind is that the "kit lens" that comes with a d-SLR is usually not the best. I would rather buy the camera body-only, and then buy a better lens. (You've probably heard it often--invest more in the lens, not the camera.) But, buying this Canon body-only and then purchasing another lens would just be too much for my money-earning skills. :) So do you think the extra investment in the camera would even out the not-so-great lens?
Cheapest price including lens I've found: $639
Megapixels: 18 (though I certainly wouldn't use that many)

Another camera I'm thinking about is the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (yes, camera nomenclature is quite confusing!), which essentially is the downgrade from the T2i that I just mentioned. However, it's reasonably cheaper, so much so that I would be able to buy a separate, better lens. 

Best price I've found (body only): $479, refurbished, with a lens costing around $150-$200. (Gently used)

Megapixels: 15

A little while ago, I had decided to get this Nikon D3100, but as I was looking through pictures taken by it on Flickr, I was not satisfied with the quality. But it is a good deal, and I think it might be decent enough for me.
I found it used, with lens for: $525
Or, I could get it body-only for $430, with a (gently used) lens around $150
Megapixels: 14.2 (anything above 10-12 is plenty for me)
I really would much rather have the Canon T2i, but this would be considerable less expensive.

..............................................

There are other cameras that I'm not excluding, but not thinking about enough to describe them here, such as the Nikon D5100 and D90. Those are both too expensive for me, but if I ever find it for a really, really good price, I would definitely think about it. I also really like the pictures produced by the Canon EOS Rebel XTi, even though its an older model. The Nikon D3000 is also one I like, but it doesn't have movie capabilities, so that's crossed off the list.
If you have one of these cameras, have used one, know something about them, or know someone who has one, I'd really appreciate it if you'd drop me a note!
XOXO and happy weekend,