I have an 400D and a Tamron 17-50, 2.8 nonIS (and a few other lenses as well). It works very well for me, and was a nice kit to start with when starting digital SLR photography. In fact, I started with a 17-55 kit lens, which was too slow for me. What I like with the Tamron is the possibility to shoot indoor without a flash. With the newer XXXD models you have less ISO-noise, so this would be even better. All in all, I support the first suggestion.
No matter what the choice of starting equipment is, one tends to want more and more after a while. If one can manage with little equipment in the beginning, one can later figure out what is needed, and avoid buying expensive gear that is never used.

Lars