Originally Posted by The Hitman

Here is my 2 cents:

If you have the knowledge to build your own, do it. No matter what is on the market, you should to be able to replicate it, cheaper; unless it is a trade secret of course.

If you do not completely understand the mechanics of a computer, then I'd purchase a Dell (casual user) or an Alienware machine (high-end gamer). Avoid current eMachines, I say "current" because Gateway recently bid on eMachine, and there is no telling what they may produce.