Quote: How should I make the choice? Or should I just pick one randomly? Or learn both?

It really doesn't matter all that much. If you've learned to model, you can model, and it won't take you all that long to get used to a tool if you're already used to another one.
At least that's the case with Max and Maya, according to my university professor. I'm guessing they're both more or less at the same level of difficulty.
Anyways, yeah... they're both expensive. We get to order a student version of Max from Autodesk because our university is an official Autodesk training center.

If you can't decide which tool to use, download a trial for both and then try them to see which one you are most comfortable with. I know I'm working on a team right now and we use nothing but 3DS Max, mainly because that's the only program we we are being taught in school. However, I go out and try almost every program I can find and then teach myself that program. It's easier that way, and I've been doing it with Bryce and Poser for the past 3 years.

right now im using anim8or, which is free, until i can save up enough to purchase maya. To me, every 3d modelling program is about the same. Some have extra features that others don't. Anim8or can help you make some pretty good looking models, it has an easy to understand interface and ITS FREE!!! I'm hoping to get maya though so I can start taking 3d modelling courses in college. But, honestly, all 3d modelling programs help you do the same thing. So, write maya on a piece of paper and max on the other and pick them out of a hat. lol