Training & Nutrition - HRM or Computer?

I'm getting most of my miles nowadays by commuting to work. I'd like to start getting a little more structre in my training, though, instead of just pumping along. Cash is a little tight right now, so I can only afford a HRM or computer, but not both. I've looked at the combo units, but from what I see, the good ones are kinda pricey.
So, which do you think is more important to training and why? If you could also let me know what brands you use and why, I'd appreciate it.

Get the computer first. One of the basic things you'll want to keep track of is distance, time and speed. If you ride in a group, you're going to want to know what speed to keep when you take a pull. Besides, they're cheaper.

Fitness and training? You should get a hrm. Computers give you your speed, distance, whatever else, more for knowing how you have progressed. If you are going to become a serious cyclist, I suggest you buy both. They are both good, in different ways. If it was me, I would get a hrm. You can find your average speed and distance by using the map of the area you cycled in.

My advice? Get both... you can always get a basic heart rate monitor for about $25- 30 bucks, and this week, the performance bike shop is having a sale on their Axioms. I got a new Axiom 8.0C for about $25 bucks. Their heart rate moniters are for sale too. So, for like $50- 55 bucks, you can have the best of both worlds. The money may be tight, but this is a good deal, and it may not come around again soon.

And no, this is no spam. I do not work for the Perfomance Bike store, and for the most part, I am not overly impressed with that place, but from time to time, they manage to impress me a little with their sales.


Koffee

P.S. Whoops, didn't read the second part. I got the Axiom 8.0C because I wanted to keep track of my cadence so I could work with speed. I don't have any particular affinity for heart rate monitors if you're just looking to check your heart rate. All the basic models are about the same, except it would be nice to have a backlight for your heart rate monitor if you ride at night and want to keep track of your heart rate.

I bought one of these last year and so far it has functioned perfectly. No problems whatsoever and it's been on an MTB. (Lots of jarring compared to a road bike.)
http://www.supergo.com/itemdisplay.asp?compflag=0&parentid=15332&company=Supergo&secid=24&subid=1512
Am planning on getting another one for my cross bike.

Hey Dirtgrinder-

I saw the.... thing you were referring to. Is it a heart rate monitor and a bike computer, or are they giving 2 different descriptions for two different products?


Koffee

It's both. The upper, larger screen is the computer and the lower screen displays your heartrate. Not bad for $35 bucks!:)

Great link Dirtgrinder !!! Just what I've been looking for, and with an endorsement yet. :)

I use a Polar product which lets me set the minimum and max HR. I found that the formula where you subtract your age from 220 wasn't giving me the workout indicated. I needed to raise both.

I guess you should find the "real" Max HR with a stress test in a Dr's office, but who has that kind of time?

Carl