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As for me I have had terrible luck with the main computer builders such as Dell and the like.

Yeah, I hear that. Well, I haven't bought an off-the-rack PC since 2000, but I've had friends who have had problems with Dell.
And just a few months ago my stepfather bought a Dell laptop,which flat out didn't work. Wouldn't even boot. Then the replacement burned up, almost caught on fire. His third one was fine, and to their credit, the Dell people were pretty good about it and quick, but still... you know?

That's why I say that if you can't build your own or don't want to take the time, the next best thing is a custom shop. Many of them are certified Microsoft OEM System builders, and you get a warranty, not to mention you can avoid silliness like onboard video, which, IMO, is the worst idea ever. People see, "hey, this has 2 gigs of RAM", but don't realize it's being shared with the video.

Of course, there are a zillion other reasons to not go to Comp USA or Dell and buy a machine off the rack.