Even faster than Japan. Japan launching 30 Apr. Can't wait to lay my hands on this. Hopefully 50D price goes down, then I buy 50D, if 500D is cheap, I save money to buy better lens.
The D5000 is very similar to D40 lacks many features.
500D have FULL HD recording, ISO 12800, 14bit color, can use all canon Lenses with Full AF.
D5000 have HD video, ISO 6400 max, 12bit color, Only certain lenses has full AF. 11AF pts, flip screen.
Looking at the above features is better to get 500D if price range is similar.