I think when you're looking at this end of the market, looking for a first DSLR camera there are 2 important things:
a) is it easy to get to grips with?
b) is the package good for the money (or are you going to need to spend more money pretty soon on extras) ?
Since all three options (1000D, D3000, A230/330) will take good photos, it's down to these questions.
Answer these first.
Then ask yourself, will you be wanting to upgrade the camera later or spend money on lenses ?
If you think you'll be happy sticking with the same brand of camera when you upgrade, then investing in good lenses makes sense. But if you think you might switch brands, be aware that you'll have to sell all your lenses and buy new ones.
(I own a Sony and a few lenses, so for me to switch to say Canon, I'd have to sell it all and buy new again)
Also don't be put off the Sony because they technically haven't been in the SLR market as long. This is only partially right. Sony bought all the design and knowledge built up over years from Minolta. So there is significant pedigree there. Ok, so it's not as big as Canon or Nikon, but it's enough.
The main point is that you can buy a secondhand Minolta AF lens and use it on a Sony camera. The Minolta lenses are very good.
Some brand new lenses from Sony are more expensive than the Canon or Nikon equivalent, but then you pay less for the camera itself.
The main thing is try it, see how it feels in your hands, is it comfortable to hold up to your eye, is it easy to use (menu's fiddly?) ?
Then work on a deal with the salesman, remember you'll probably want a case, maybe a spare battery, UV filter (to protect the lens if nothing else), perhaps a tripod. Although all of these can be bought new off ebay for less.
