Camera for an amateur photographer?

After taking photography for two years in school, I'm beginning to really enjoy it. I'm looking into buying a digital SLR camera within the next week after I get my next paycheck. I would prefer to go no more than the 500 dollar mark, but for something simple, I think that's reasonable. I do not want a point-and-shoot! I can't stand the quality after using an SLR for two years. To get to the point:

I'm looking for a camera that I can take high quality photos with. I'll be carrying it with me almost all the time so it's not just something to take the photo with here and there; I really want to use this as much as I can. Since I'm still in the process of learning, I don't want something that's going to come with a bunch of high-tech features that I'll never touch in my life but add a hefty amount to the price.

I'm looking at the Nikon D3100 right now, but would love tons of suggestions/reviews for different cameras.

Any entry level camera will be fine. Nikon D3100, 3200, Canon t1i, t2i, t3, etc.

The camera takes the picture, the lens makes the picture. Consider what you like making photographs of and go from there. Give me an idea of what you are photographing and I can recommend a lens.

ps Nikon rocks (I have a D800 and D7000)! The D3100 is no exception to the rule.

http://www.willierobb.com/

The Nikon D3100 is a 'crippled' entry level camera, no remote socket, no auto bracketing (so no HDR should you want to try that) and, along with Canon the most expensive system to buy into by far.

A Pentax K30 is a much better option, weather sealed, great build quality, all the functions you will ever need and they can use any Pentax K mount lens made since 1973, loads for sale cheaply (£30 - £100) all will be image stabilised as it's built into the camera so doesn't cost extra with every lens you buy. All Pentax cameras are really easy and quick to use, all entry level Canon and Nikon are menu driven.

If you want cheap a K-01 are being sold off currently, there's a lot wrong about the K-01, but image quality is not one of them. Just as easy to use as any other Pentax.