Thank you for your fast replies.
To clarify, what I'm looking for is a camera that will permit me to do some things in manual mode such as control shutter speed, aperture, ISO. and I would also like burst mode. All these opstions being available even in a very simple way, I'm not looking for anything over 14 MP.
I would just like to take better pictures than my iPhone is permitting, filter them through Picassa or iPhoto for now.
Before investing in something expensive I would like to know this is not just a passing phase. I will do a course in the coming year and will invest when money permits in something superior.
I hope this helps