Digital advice please?

[Joseph]

Hi folks,

I am finally succumbing to buying my first digital camera. I've been
shooting for pleasure and semi-professionally (in that I've sold my
prints, note cards, enlargements, etc successfully in the past) with a
Canon Rebel 2000. While I am not into selling and marketing my work as
much now, and I cannot afford the $950 Canon 350D, I am interesting in
getting a decent, easy-to use digital for under $350. Any suggestions?
I've been told to get the most megapixels, and to pay attention to the
3x/5x zoom?
What else do I need to know or for that price range should I just go
to Walmart, Best Buy, etc and see what appeals to me?
Any input really appreciated. To me it seems almost anyone can take
great digital photos, tweak them, etc. At this point I just want
access to a decent digital camera. If one day I decide to try to sell
my work again, I'll get a better one. My birthday is coming up and
this would be an excellent gift from family. Thanks so much - I am
admittedly ignorant about digital....heck, there are still settings on
my toaster-over I've never used! :)