It really depends on how you want to do things. Local people are great - as long as you deal with the right one. My last computer I got from dell (because I needed to finance it - I could have gotten the parts cheaper and put it together myself.. but not by much) and I love it. You can customize the system but more importantly and something that you ussualy lack when dealing with local people is software and a good warrenty. Now.. My last was a gateway.. and I LOATHE that machine.. I hate how the company dealt with me and when i worked at a software store everyone complained about them. Dell does a good job though and handles things well if you have a problem 99/100. But if you have a reputable local dealer that has good word of mouth, etc.... Go with them. Good to give the little guy some business, just be careful. I know a guy who owns one out where I live, he's even a friend of mine, but I'd NEVER in a million years would buy one from him. Anz