How is the canon sd1400is?

I'm thinking about buy the canon sd1400is as a good portable camera so i can save up for the canon rebel. I want to read some reviews before i buy the camera so please tell me how it is. [:
what i'm looking for in a camera is:

-great image quality (great for its price anyway)
-easy to use
-nice effects
-good lighting
-sdf compatible (i had a nikon camera that couldnt do the clear focus and blurry background)
-good battery life
-good video quality although not required

if there's a better camera for under $200 please share.
thank you.

Added (1). I also would like a fast shutter speed between pictures.

For reviews, check out dpreview.com or Steve's Digicams.

Fast shutter speeds are present in all cameras. You must be concerned with shutter lag, the time it takes for the camera to capture after you press the button. All point-and-shoot cameras suffer from it as do all dSLRs used with Liveview.

Most if not all point-and-shoot cameras can't blur the background. If you want one, get a dSLR with a fast lens.

All cameras can use Lithium batteries. Those last the longest.

If you want good video, get one that does video in HD.

Aside from Canon, Sony Cybershot cameras are also easy to use. Cybershots are the most feature-laden cameras.

Good lighting is not a camera option. It's up to you to choose it. The best would be the sun. This is why image quality depends on the photographer. It depends on how the photographer assesses light and how to setup the camera to capture it.

As for the SD1400IS, I haven't met it yet.