Thanks for the advice. You could be right. I generally buy my systems from Dell's refurbished site. The prices there are incredible. I worry about a couple things though:

1. How can you be sure of the components they put it? Specifically video card and hard drive.

2. It seems like upgrading would be a lot easier if I build it myself.

>Many years ago you could put togther a much better machine for ALOT less money than a Dell or IBM pre-built. But, at todays prices I would recommend against it. You can get a great machine for under $1000 from Dell direct online. I have also bought several E-Machines and they have been excellent. As a matter of fact, this past Christmas I bought 2 e-machines, one for each of my sons for $620 ish with great specs.
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>The advantage to pre built is warranty, tech support, inclusion of an operating system, bundled software... and the best thing is that all the components included work togther and are configured.
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>Anyway, that is my two cents, YMMV.
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>BOb