Shout Out to the Network Guys and Gals Options

[XYZ Factor]

Ok ladies and gents, I like opinions if you want to dish it out.

Here's the Scenario:
The network is for a small school in order to acess the internet, a domain server, and an exchange server. Our main switch needs an upgrade. Its a 24-port 3Com 10/100 switch with a gigabit uplink. It currently feeds out to about 100 computers, but there are about 35 direct feeds to it. What that means is that there are 24 full ports with an uplink to another 8 port switch. If your doing your math correctly that's still not enough ports. Therefore its time to upgrade to a 48 port switch. I wanted to go with a Linksys 10/100/1000 48 port switch for about $800. However, the few reviews that I found on it were not very favorable. At the spur of the moment I decided to say f**k it and go with a Cisco Catalyst 10/100 48 port switch. At the time, I just figured for piece of mind and less troubles down the road I would splurge for the good switch. However, my budget for this project is limited and I wonder if I over shot my needs. I realize that Cisco is a better quality but if it is overkill, I really could use that $700 difference for other things.

Please guys, dont just shout out "go with cisco" just because of their name and reputation....even my limited network experience can say that. If you truly think that the Cisco switch is not overkill and that I made the right choice, please tell my why. Or, should I just go with a simple Linksys (or similar) 10/100 48-port switch with a gigabit uplink. I have been debating this all afternoon.

Thanks in advance...you may now rise up on your soap boxes.