i guess, IMO, it depends on what you're wanting to do
if ALL you want to do is play games, getting the ps3 would be a better idea considering the money issue
personally, i'd work on saving for a computer. a lot more things you're able to do
and, depending on what you're wanting, you shouldn't have to pay $1700 for a system.
if you build the system, it'd be a whole lot cheaper. unlesss of course you're wanting the top of the line everything.
like i said, depends really on what exactly you want to do, and how long you feel like waiting.