We have the XTi with two lenses. The standard 18-55mm it came with and the 70-300mm zoom. Especially in the case of zoom lenses, always get the Canon lenses with IS (Image Stabilizer). You'll pay more, but it's worth it.
While it takes EXCELLENT pictures, you will be no more of a pro photographer with this camera then you would be a race car driver with a Dodge Viper. In fact, like the race car, it may be less forgiving when using the wrong settings.
That being said, I'm afraid I shall forever be an amateur photographer with a camera that will forever be better then I'll ever be.
You'll rarely go wrong in the auto modes and the manual modes will be there for you when you're ready to experiment, learn, and improve.
As far as your casual consumer use, there's not a lot of performance differences between the XT and the XTi. Also, there's not enough visual differences between 8 megs and 10 megs to warrant the current $200 price difference.
For in depth digital camera descriptions, reviews, and ratings, I recommend this web site -
Steve's Digicams. There are several others and I encourage several online searches for what you are considering.
(only 6 days to the
Houston area Yorkie meetup!)