One of the things I was surprised about, when my brother in law ordered his latest laptop a few weeks ago, was that he could demand that they give him an XP Pro machine even though they said they didn't have any.  But I agree on the custom build.

The only reason I went with a pre-pack laptop was that I could get it "soon" vs. "I'll get to it."  And at over $1200.00 US+, I didn't argue much when he threw in that he could get 24 hour financing.  My payments are around $35.00month and when that's done the payment will go to do some massive work on the system and the wifes desktop.

The usual...as much RAM as can be forced down their throats, the biggest hard drives possible, newer graphic cards.

I love these forums, I always learn so much!