gdgt

The D40 and D60 are nice entry-level Nikon DSLRs, The new D5000 is also supposed to be really nice. I think you'll be happy with any of the cameras. They all have their advantages. For example, the D40 has great low-light performance, is pretty cheap, takes sharp images, and fast flash sync, but only has a 6mp sensor (may be important if you want really big blow-ups), and the kit lens is a little slow to focus. I wouldn't go for the D40x... it has more megapixels but worse low-light performance and I think the flash is slower. The D60 has some of the same degradation as the D40x but it has an improved image processor and the kit lens has Vibration Reduction which helps taking pictures at slower shutter speeds.

As a happy user, I'd recommend it. If you can afford it, the D40x is the same great body with 10Mpx instead of 6.

Look around on craigslist. I just picked up a D40 with 2 batteries and the 18-55mm lens for $280.

Go with the D40 and spend the extra money on another lens. The 35mm 1.8 or 55-200 are a much better way to spend the extra money then for a few more mega pixels.