HeleenH, that's interesting. How do you access the white balance info on the computer later?
Personally I find 'A' easier because in 'P' mode, the dial changes two things at the same time (aperture and shutter speed). I prefer to just control the aperture and let the camera choose a shutter speed.
BTW, this is related to Nicole's point about "background defocus". That is precisely the effect you get if set the camera to 'A' and choose a larger aperture. Of course, to make things confusing that corresponds to a *smaller* f number. But the point is that, as HeleenH says, controlling aperture is all about depth of field, and depth of field determines how much of the background is in (or out) of focus.
Sarah, just to add... the great thing about lenses is that they can transfer to your next camera (as long as you stay with the same brand and continue to use an SLR of course). So even if the $200 lens doesn't give you the improvement you want, it will be useful for the next Nikon SLR you choose.
Nicole, yeah, you need an SLR to get that depth of field effect. On the other hand, you're getting very cool results with your current camera. When you do have an SLR you're going to kick some ...
Tortoise, I'm sorry, but I have zero experience with cameras at that level. But I have seen that Ken Rockwell has some advice on good options at all levels. This page, for example: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tec.....ameras.htm