My last desktop PC was custom built (not by me) and it's a PITA to maintain when there's something that doesn't work. I've lost several hours trying to figure out why both of my DVD burners where not working well (would not read a DVD/CD or would stop to work in the middle of an installation). I've tried finding new drivers, disconnected my floppy drive and replaced both burners with another one, but I still can't rely on my CD/DVD drive. I won't upgrade my OS or reinstall it, because I fear that I will not be able to install the OS. I'm also pretty sure that it doesn't run as fast as it should.

My last PC purchase was a laptop and it was from Dell. Other than the screen that busted 3-4 months after the purchase (replaced quickly by Dell), I didn't have any other problems and everything is working well (other than my daughter who is installing all kind of crap on it).

For sure my next purchase will not be a custom built PC. I prefer to spend my time elsewhere than to try to make my system work. I will surely buy a PC from Dell.

>Jay, if you have the expertise, you can't beat building your own.