AMD or Intel
Even though the AMD is cheaper and everyone brags who it is 64 bit, understand that a 64bit Operating system is coming out until at least 2006 (Windows Longhorn) so AMD will never be as usefull as it can be until you get a 64 bit O/S.
Intel is very expensive hence the reason why i would wait and just get a cheaper Intel like the 2.4C and just overclock it to 3.4 which has been done with ease.