In the market for a Canon 40D

I'm a pretty avid photographer and I think I've pushed my current camera, a Canon Digital Rebel XT, to its limits.
I've been reading up on the 40D and pricing it around the web. Does anyone here have experience with the 40D? What did you think?
Also, the best price I've yet to come across is $1299.00 from Amazon. I've checked Ritz and B&H. Any other suggestions for places to look?? Thanks!