If you have already decided to buy the retail version of Dragon Age: Origins, you might want to consider seeing if the downloadable version of BioWare's upcoming fantasy RPG might be a better choice. Both the Steam and Direct2Drive versions of the game (both in regular and Collector's versions) have some unique in-game items that are not in the retail version.

For the Steam version you can get the The Wicked Oath, a ring that, among other things, gives your character better critical strike damage and better armor penetration. Direct2Drive buyers of the game can get the Dalish Ring which increases healing effects and lowers damage for Darkspawn attacks. So your choices; the Steam offensive in-game item or the Direct2Drive defensive in-game item. How would you play it.