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and if you're gonna get a dell, consider a refurb. They're often just returns, they come with the same exact warranty, packed up like a new computer, no damages, etc. And they're like half the price.

Thanks for all the great responses, I read them all. It seems like alot of you like Dell. I rechecked the Dell webpage and found that after taking all the extras (which I need) into account it edges past the VPR Matrix in bang for buck. Fairly close to what APT suggested..

Dimension 8200 with P4 @ 2.0 Ghz
256 MB RDRAM
40GB HD 7200RPM
64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 MX
16X DVD
24/10/40x CD-RW
Harmon Kardon HK-695 Suround Sound
10/100 PCI Fast Ethernet

plus
software (WidowsXP, Works suite 2002, Dell Jukebox & Picture studio, Norton antivirus)
6 mo AOL
1 yr in home service
All for $879 with rebate & cupon

Probably will add 15" flat screen ($350) and 3 yr service ($159).

Interestingly, I was initally looking at the Dell 4200 series but with the bigger rebate & free CD burner only with 8200 series it is actually cheaper despite more capability..2.0 vs 1.8 HD, 256 RDRAM vs 256 DDR SDRAM. Thanks APT. BTW, where is that cupon from? Also, on your price I think you may have used the rebate twice..

What do you all think?
Gateway, haven't looked at them..

I stole those two right off Dealspree . Can probably find them on www.fatwallet.com as well.

Based on Dell's prices, I would take the least amount of RAM and no monitor. RAM is pretty cheap and very easy to install. Call it about $40 for 256MB of SDRAM. $350 for a 15" LCD isn't that great. All kinds of hot deals on LCD's, even though Dell as stand alone purchases. I'd also skip the 3yr warranty. In 3 years the most likely thing to wear out if anything is the Had drive which you can buy a 40GB drive for about $70 right now, cheaper in 3 years. Obviously your call and Dell's support is top notch.

Aaron