Interface Advice - Tascam US 1641 vs Presonus Firepod

[tracer03]

I'm looking to get a 'larger' interface for recording, and I have the option to get a Tascam US-1641 or a Presonus Firestudio locally for about the same price.

I have a dedicated PC I was going to use for recording - My PC specs:

Pentium 4 2.4gHx
2 gB Ram
USB 2.0
Firewire
400w p/s
Windows XP SP3
Reaper
Ableton (came with my m-Audio Oxygen)
The only other usb device I run on the PC is a mouse.

My skill level: fair to n00bish.

Budget: limited (I have access to mics, etc. - but enough in the kitty for one or the other, and not much more - $200)

Reading over the various posts on the intarwebz comparing both, and searching through the various reviews and comparisons, it sounds like it would be either a coin flip or a matter of personal gear preference between the two. While I know the Tascam has the potential for more inputs, I don't really see myself using more than 8 (recording live mixes of the hobby band, etc., ISO'ing the drum kit, etc).

Has anyone ever A/B'ed these? Is there a good comparison of the pros and cons of these two units?

Or (bluntly) - which one of these two would you suggest I get?

Thanks in advance.

[musiqisme26]

whats your realistic budget, and whats your source of inventory

i have an answer for you with the 2 you asked about ut depending on your answers then i can give you better advice

[tracer03]

Realistic budget: >$200.

Both units are used, from a private seller (coat-tail friend of mine). Both are in excellent shape.