Which shutter speed is better?

30 - 1/4000 sec nikon D5000
1/4000 - 1/60 sec canon rebel T2i

i'm not really sure how to read that.new to cameras.

First off, both the T2i and the D5000 will be capable of shutter speeds anywhere between B (bulb, or as long as you want) and 1/4000th of a second. Therefore, this should not be the deciding factor if you're trying to choose between these two cameras.

Second, these cameras are not quite in the same class. The T2i is a better camera, and more expensive. If you want a Nikon comparable to the T2i, look at the D90, or wait for the D3100 to ship in a couple months.

Tobasco is nearly right except that the D3100 ships in about two weeks