What do you know about Sony Alpha DSLR-A500's?

Tell me anything and everything!
I'm looking at buying my first DSLR and i want to make sure i'm making a good choice.

I'm also looking at maybe getting a Nikon D3100.
Which one do you think is better?

I do know this. Sony has been the standard of the broadcast television industry for decades… I know because I did a career in television news / sports photography and editing. However they only got into the consumer market not quite a year ago. Sony makes good products don't misunderstand but Canon and Nikon have been at this about as long as Sony has been in the broadcast industry. Given that which would you choose - I thought so, Canon or Nikon.

Being a Canon guy I always recommend what I own and know. The eos t1i is an excellent camera.
Crisp, clear stills and video. I also have a Rebel XS, another excellent Canon. Either would be an excellent choice. The XS however doesn't do video.

The A500 is far superior to the D3100. The A500 is a mid-range dSLR, the D3100 is a budget dSLR.