Thanks for your input, and the dpreview.com link smc1377.
No, the 400D doesnt have the top LCD, and I must admit not having it is quite a turn-off. There really wasnt much in it in terms of how either of them felt in my hands when I played around with them in the shop.
My dad owns a Canon point & shoot, Canon SLR, and Canon 20D and who knows how many lenses. After playing with his gear I resolved to never buy anything BUT a Canon - however; as we all now resolutions tend to be broken.
Either way by the end of the week; I'll be part of the dSLR community...looking forward to it! Whooo ha!