Harisahmed,
If the only problem you have with the DIYer's opinion on this pc is that you don't have the time, you would be better off getting a new mid range system from Dell. Save about $2500 off what you are looking to spend now and just use it to get another Dell in about 2 years when you feel like upgrading.
I have to disagree with you here, although I get your point. Yes, the purpose of these forums is to help people save money. However, I have to still say "Dude, stay away from the Dell". You can get a better system from a local store. For people who have no clue, and want to get the best system for the money, the order of shopping has to be something like:
1.) Internet (best prices, must know parts and trustworthy sites).
2.) Local Shows (vendors come in from all over region and compete on price....decent prices, watch out for sharks with switcharoos, OEM, unscrupulous deals...go with someone who knows parts, systems, and vendors).
3.) Local mom and pop stores (must know parts and prices....dealer must be reputable...tremendous variability on prices). These places have the ability to DESTROY prices from Dell and Gateway. How can these little guys beat huge resellers like Dell with little or no economies of scale?!? No advertising costs! Every magazine has at least one multi-page, color Dell ad. They also do mailings, TV, internet, and radio ads. These cost a fortune. Additionally, they must have pretty high margins. Yes, you pay taxes at mom-and-pops, but no shipping.
4.) DELL, finally, or other large, on-line vendors, (EXCLUDING GATEWAY). These systems seem to have more problems than the average DIY machine, which is probably why they need to offer 1 year on site, with a 3-year upgrade option. I say skip the Gateway's because you'd have to be an idiot to by the same stuff that Dell sells, but pay tax AND shipping! Too much crappy software with little value (probably a major contributor to configuration problems). These places often use all the right buzz words to sell computers, but these systems have little power for the money. People, GeForce MX is not a Ti500 and MS Works IS NOT OFFICE!! The bottom line is that these places don;t make parts, they just buy from 3rd party vendors and put them together like your local shops do. Just because it says Dell on it doesn't mean that they designed a damn thing...except for the kooky power supply thing which locks you into their replacement parts. Also avoid Compaq for proprietary reasons and nutty problems that these systems come with.
5.) Lastly, and this is not truly an option.....large retail stores like Best Buy, CompUSA, Sears, Wal-Mart....you get what you pay for....NOT!!! Anyone can put together a crappy computer for $600...use integrated components and celerons with a 15" monitor and a crappy computer. I'm not saying there's not a market or need for cheaper computers, but do a little homework first.
My first rule of thumb for people that I help buy computers is.....DECIDE WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD, AND DON'T SPEND MORE! Hopefully, if you can talk to someone knowledgeable (or just ask in these forums if you don't know a local computer dork), find out what type of parts you need based on your computer needs....you can't get a good CAD system for $599 and someone surfing the internet and typing letters in Word doesn't need to spend $1800. If you work with someone knowledgeable, they can help you pick out a computer that fits your needs, and falls into your price range. Once you set your price point, get the absolute best machine for that money. You do it with cars, golf clubs, furniture, and it should be done with computers of all prices.
-Rick
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