i dont think the radeon gets all the credit it's due around here. its a darn good card with a darn good feature set, and for a darn good price.
I think you're very right about that. I loved my DDR Radeon. And I'd definitely get a DDR Radeon over a GeF2MX. However, you can get a GeForce 2 GTS-V (32MB) that'll slap around the DDR Radeon in games for $70 shipped at Newegg. The lowest price for the DDR Radeon cards (32MB LE version) is $67 shipped (also happens to be at Newegg). It's definitely worth the extra 3 bucks to get the GTS-V.
Btw, unlike most people here, I've actually used Radeon cards AND GeForce cards (1,2, & 3). So anyone who hasn't used ATi and NVidia cards really can't comment.
Since you're looking for DVD and Divx Rips abilities, I'd still get the GTS-V card. Even though my DDR Radeon had top-notch DVD, etc., my original GeF2 GTS was close enough that the difference wasn't noticable to a significant degree, and my current GeF3 is certainly better.
EDIT: Just how much are you willing to spend
Goatboy?