| I've worked in computer shops and now I do netadmin. I *can* build them but I don't want to spend my free time at home putting together/troubleshooting a system. Its easier (and more often than not, cheaper) to buy a pre-built, add more RAM, HD and a proper video card and be good to go got a couple of years. My wife's PC, kids PC and laptop don't get upgrades - just mine. My trick is that I use the dell outlet, usually during some sort of promotion. There are plenty of deals if you've got the patience to wait for them (hint - I keep the webpage open at work when I'm in need and eventually find a good deal.) I still slick them as soon as they come in because they have so much crap on them, but in the end I know all the hardware will live together happily. I also try to not keep systems forever. I will sell them on ebay before they're too old and start the process over with a new find from the outlet. I've spent only a few hundred on the "upgrades" this way in the last few years. Dell's non-sale MSRP prices can be high. The outlet PCs are either scratch/dent, returned/refurbed or cancelled order. You know exactly which when you order. I hate dell tech support and dell financial (thank you, come again) but in the end I'm happy with my purchases because the shit works. :)
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