Start up time

"...the D5000 can fire off its first frame in less than two seconds..."

Did you actually test this? Nikon DSLRs, like most makes I assume, can fire shots virtually from startup. I know both of mine allow a shot as soon as you flick the switch to on.

DPReview lists off to first shot time as <0.1 seconds which sounds about right to me.

Hint: you don't have to wait until the info screen appears to be able to take a shot.

vs D90

Re: "it's price is quoted as the same as the D90 - so I cant really see why it's being described as an 'entry level' model."

It seems to be selling most places for about £200 less than the D90 (the D5000's only £608 on Amazon for instance), which shows what nonsense these recommended prices are (you'd expect the older camera to be cheaper, for one thing). Although also in the D90's favour is that it has a kit lens with a longer zoom range: 18-105 vs 18-55 for the D5000.