Just a follow up.
First, thanks to all who have replied.
I've pretty much decided to go with something off the shelf, and, in fact came real close to buying one Saturday. I found a deal that, after the various rebates and promotional offers, would've have gotten an AMD Athlon 1.1 ghz, with a 17" monitor, printer and all the associated goodies (DVD, CDRW etc.) for less than 1K. Unfortunately, I hesitated and, as of Sunday, the deal was no more. For the time being (IOW, until something similar comes along) I'm going to wait.
Thanks again,
George
Ubi caritas et amor, deus ibi est