Help choosing my first dSLR?

I've been interested in photography for a long time now, and I've mainly used my little Canon point-and-shoot and a Minolta 35mm camera but also various film cameras and my high school's dSLRs (mainly Canon) and now I think that I'm ready to upgrade to a dSLR of my very own. I'm leaning heavily on Canon cameras, mostly because I've already used them more than Nikon, but I'm not completely closed to the idea of a Nikon or some other camera.

I've been looking at the Canon EOS Rebel t1i and t2i and am kind of stuck in between. I've used both, and love them both.

If I were to get the t1i, I would get it new.
If I were to get the t2i, I would most likely get it refurbished, because of price.

Are refurbished dSLRs alright to purchase? I would buy it from Adorama.com, which I've heard is a reliable website to get cameras, lenses, etc. The t2i would be refurbished by Canon.

The bottom line is pretty much that:
I've done my homework about the camera that I want and have narrowed it down a lot.
Should I get a new t1i or a refurbished t2i?

Also, I know that the kit lens that comes with both isn't that great, so what would be a good, affordable, lens for me as beginner dSLR user to purchase?

Thank you.

Added (1). I'd love to get the t3i, but it's out of my price range.

I would actually go for the T3i, which I just ordered. 42photo.com offers it for 769 dollars, which really is a good deal and you get a 18-55 mm lense.

Go with the T2i. Advances in technology are there and you might as well invest in the most advanced, up to date body you can get for your $. You won't out grow it quite as fast as you would older technology. I have 3 refurbished by Canon cameras and never have had a single issue with them. Go for it.
The only major difference between the T2i and the T3 is is that the T3i has the articulating screen. They have the exact same sensor in the. So if you don't need or want the screen that articulates? You save a chunk of change.
As for lenses… That is tough. I prefer to tell people don't buy a package of lenses until you get your camera and start using and learning about it. You will find that if you buy lenses now before you know your style and what you want and like that you wasted money. It won't be what you want and need down the line.
If you purchase anything with your camera purchase the "nifty fifty." The 50mm f/1.8 lens is absolutely amazing for the $130 or somewhere around there price. It will allow you to learn on your camera easier than the variable f/ kit lens. It will give you a taste of the difference between prime lenses and zooms and it will also give you a feel for a professional lens and consumer. Added bonus is that it can shoot in MUCH lower light without flash than the kit lens and allows you to create beautiful shallow depth of field and bokeh.