I just got a Canon Rebel T1i and I have to say that I am LOVING having a DSLR and the freedom to change between lenses & such. My P&S is a Kodak Easy Share z612, it was an early version of what are now known as bridge or super-zoom cameras. It has a 12x optical zoom which is great, and I don't yet have a lens with anywhere near that zoom capability for my new camera (nor am I anywhere near affording one, lol). The Kodak also has some basic features that emulate a DSLR such as manual focus. Learning the Ins and outs of the Kodak really did set a great foundation for working with a DSLR, so I think that class of camera is great too.
-Diana