I sell cameras part time to pay for school and I can tell you from my experience that the biggest mistake people make when buying a first DSLR is to jump into mid-high price range bodies.
Quite honestly, if I could recommend any camera to a person who has $1500 to spend, it would probably something along the lines of a Nikon D40 (unfortunately, out of production), a Canon Rebel XS, or a Nikon D3000. Those are all the entry level bodies. Better yet, check your local Craigslist and pick up something used. There's a lot of people who jump into photography without the slightest idea of how to take a good picture and are selling very lightly used equipment for decent prices. There's also some people who have upgraded their bodies and will sell you a well used, but pristine body at a good price as well.
Next, take your $1000 or so that you saved and invest in a nice lens. I say invest because that's exactly what you're doing. The next camera body you buy will take that same lens (pending you stay with the same manufacturer) and will take just as good of a photo as it did on your previous camera.
If you want video as well, look at the T1i or the D5000. Either way, shop for a beginner style body. It's your introduction to DSLR photography. You don't want to be too overwhelmed by all the different buttons and modes which might put you off from really getting to know your camera.
However, while all the reading on the internet and advice from different people is great, the single best thing you can do is go into a store and hold the cameras. Get a feel for it, snap a few shots, etc. See how it feels in your hand. How you like the control laid out, etc. That's the most important step.