[thelist] computers

For my family and friends cost is usually an issue; I usually use these
people:
http://mpipc.com

They can usually build them cheaper than me, and they use decent parts; the
have machines ranging from the $273 POS Celeron 500 (I bought one for my
nephews and niece) to as much as you want to spend.  I especially like their
online "configurator".  I can spec out a PC the way I want it, and know to
the penny how much it'll cost; if I want to save a few bucks I can downgrade
a component or two, or upgrade if I have room in the budget.
http://mpipc.com/main.cgi?CONFIGURATOR

However, for my personal use, it's a Dell.  I'm a power user, and
performance and reliability are worth the extra couple bucks to me. Plus, as
someone mentioned earlier, the next-day warranty can't be beat.
They have a sort of on-line configurator as well, but it's alot more work to
change the specs..
http://dell.com

As far as the specs for your new PC, buying a computer is like buying a
vehicle..  Do you need a utility truck or a sports car or is an economy car
all you can afford?  If you just don't know, then find the most expensive
computer you can possibly afford, then buy the next most expensive model. :)

My biggest piece of advice:  Don't scrimp on the monitor.  The bigger and
higher resolution monitor you get, the better.  Also, flat-faced screen is
the way to go.  I prefer anything with a Trinitron tube, but Mitsubishi
makes a flat-faced screen that is supposed to be every bit as good, if not
better.  And if money is no object, those nifty flat-panel monitors are
scweeeeeeeeet..  Be prepared to shell out a couple grand for anything over
15 inches though.

Well, that's my two rubles.

Seth
_____________________________
Seth Bienek
Independent ColdFusion Developer
"If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend,
experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your
guardian genius."
		  --Joseph Addison