If you or any friends know how to assemble a desktop, definitely buy the parts separately. You can usually get a little more performance for you buck this way, especially because the computer doesn't come loaded with crappy trial software to begin with. There's probably some good tutorials out there for building a computer if you've never done it before...could be a fun project. Then again, I've always been more of a computer guy than a car guy.

www.newegg.com is hands down the best computer parts distributer if you decide to go this route. You can get a pretty good idea of what to buy by reading the reviews on there.

If you do get a pre-built brand name PC, (or a laptop), I'd recommend something by ASUS or Acer.....unless the manufacturer quality has changed recently. It's been a good 2 years since I was really up on computer hardware.