I really appreciate your advice

I also in process to buy a DSLR for amateur like me and I already decided to buy Canon 400D suitable for my budget as well..So, today I just window shopping in IOI Mall and bump into Fotokem (I believe so) I inquired about Canon 400D and the cust rep told me the camera is no longer in market. She offering me Canon 450D which is slightly pricy than Canon 400D. Then I saw Sony Alpha A200 (I believe as well) for the same price. I asked what's your comment about that one. She just told me it's just the brand and need to go to Sony Service Center to learn to use. So, now my questions is:

1. Is Canon 400d no longer in market?
2. Should I go for 450D or 400D (FYI I'm new to DSLR)

If you could clear my doubts I would be grateful and besides that I planning to buy next year sumwher around May