Get the Nikon. Same picture quality, more durability.
I mean, you’re kind of comparing apples and oranges by comparing the 10mp Canon with one lense to the 6mp Nikon with 2 lenses, but still. I’d trade 4mp for that lense if you’re spending about $600.
The wife just bought a D40x with an 18-55mm lens, and then on top of that bought a 55-200mm VR lens. Our research basically concluded the same thing as everyone elses: Comparable Nikons and Canons take equally awesome pics, but the Nikon feels tougher.