Canon I.S. vs Nikon/Nikkor V.R.- Canon worth the $$?

The subject about says it. I'm a progressive SLR rookie who is about to get an SLR setup. Right now I'm debating between a Nikon D80 with a Nikkor VR lens, and a Canon Rebel XTi with a Canon IS lens. Any thoughts/suggestions/comments would be much appreciated.

Find a store that has both camera bodies in stock and handle them to see which you prefer.
Either stabilisation system works, but only of any real use with slower shutter speeds. If you want to stop action, you need fast lenses rather than stabilised ones!

Ian