Personally in your case Milenko, I'd suggest the 500D (the newest entry level from Canon). The reason isn't so much because of favouritism, but simply because it has a few more features which I think you'll prefer in the long run.
However, that's coming from a Canon user... There are a few questions you really need to ask yourself though.
1. How far are you planning to go with Photography? Are you happy being a happy snapper, going semi-pro/artist (to the point where you might have a few photos sold and have an exhibition?) or do you hope one day to go full pro, do weddings or full commercial photography?
This is an incredibly vital question you need to answer for yourself, because it's going to influence you down the track, what you pick up now.
In reference to the above here's where the market stands right now:
Pound for Pound, Nikon and Canon have about the same pull professionally, with the numbers going to Canon, but respect definantly pulling Nikon ahead. All things considered their pro line stuff is pretty much on par, with each taking the lead in areas, but no real clear definition between them.
Canon have a history of producing extremely good bodies in the pro line, and their white lenses are renowned as the best in their respective ranges. They do however have significant issues producing wide lenses of high quality (not build, but image resolving). However, do not frett... Canon have recently made huge strides in just the last 6 months.
Nikon have a history of also producing extremely good bodies, though their longer telephoto lens lineup doesn't live up to the awe of canons, not to say they're worse quality though... They're not. They do however have a good history of listening to what the photographer wants and enabling it on the camera. They're wide lenses though are revered, especially their recently released 14-24 (which I have adapted for use on my Canon and credit where credit is due, it's better then ALL the primes I've used in the same range, even from Nikon).
Mid range line, no question would now belong to Canon, only due to very recent developments (as in the last 24 hours) but it's turbulent waters, and change often occurs here. Nikon held a definitive advantage (bar resolution).
I'm going to stop here though... as these are the groups you'll be looking at if you want to get serious/pro level.
Understand that these camera's won't necessarily produce a better image then even the entry level camera's, but the features they have may ensure results... IE. Full frame sensor, faster shutter speeds, more FPS, weather sealing etc.
Additionally, I think it's worth mentioning Sony, who bought out Minolta, and they're making huge strides, and I personally feel we're going to see them enter the pro market very soon... This will no doubt cause a huge shake up. That said, their pro lenses are VERY expensive, even compared to Canon and Nikon.
I'm a Canon user myself, so I'll be sticking with them. So far, there's been no real reason for me to switch, and to be honest, I'll be making the move into MF before I think about switching from Canon to Nikon, at which point it'll be moot.
When you're ready to buy, let me know, and I'll help you find a good price too.
... Another worthwhile point is... Camera bodies come and go, lenses always last. It's better to get a cheaper body and a better lens in most normal cases.