For an entry level camera: Canon t3 or Nikon D3100?

I know one is more expensive but in general which would be better?

Before i answer your question i have a suggestion.
If money is not a problem buy the Nikon D90/D7000, becoz after few months using your D3100 you will temp to upgrade which will cost you more money. By going to D90/D7000 directly, you don't have to upgrade later (save u more money) unless you are going for profesional. Beside D90/D7000 is not much diff with D3100. Or instead of Canon T3 why not 60D.

Now onto answering your question, for beginner Canon or Nikon don't have much diff. You can have most expensive camera but it doesn't guarantee you a great picture. Its matter of brand preference, like which one Adidas or Nike. If your friends/relative more on canon go for canon so that easier for them to teach u few tricks/guide/term with the same brand of camera.

"Camera doesn't matter, its how you shoot your picture"

If you look at lab testing, the D3100 is better. It also sports 1080p video, which the T3 does not have

really, its up to you, see which one you are more comfortable using and which one has the features you want. Both have the same basic capabilities

I don't know about those ones. But I'm telling you that I've got a Canon T3i and it's a pretty good camera.