Is buying ETH currently a good idea, or should I be going with Bitcoin?
Whether ETH or BTC you want to buy they are still cheap compare to last year. You can buy anytime you want but I suggest that you buy them when they are dumping.
Ethereums network has its tendrils in a substantial portion of the crypto market. In times when the entire crypto market grows, it is very likely that Ether comes along for the ride because of this. If there ever is a really popular ICO, you an bet the demand for Ether increases.