[gchappel]

The body mounted AF motor is only critical if you are using old af lenses. Most of the new- consumer quality lenses will work fine on the d5000 body.
What camera is best for you, of coarse depends on what you are going to do with it.
I have not shot with the d5000, I use a d3 and d300, but was looking at one for my daughter. (No not a trade)
I think this is a good choice for a $600 dslr. I do not know your level of photographic skills, but I doubt they will be limited by this camera- unless you are doing pro sports or something. Lenses are more important than the body- but for a basic system this will be a good base.
Gary