I have finally saved up enough for a computer and as it has been several years sence I have purchased one I am hoping to get some advice. I am hoping to stay away from Emachines/Gateway and hoping to spend a maximum of $900

Needs:

• 2GB RAM
• 300GB HDD
• Dual Core or better (Intel)
• CD/DVD Burning
• Easily Expandible to Dual Monitor (or already capable)
• Windows XP (NO VISTA)
• Expandable For More Memory/HDD/Expansion Cards
• USB2.0
• IEE 1394

Desireds/Wants:

• TV Tuner (HDTV)
• Ability to clean my apartment for me
• Quiet Cooling

I picked up a similar system at ibuypower.com. $900 is a bit cheap for those specs, my system put me out about $1500 (with two 20" LCDs). You may be able to pull it off for that price if you build it yourself. If you have an old copy of XP from an old comp you may want to just install that instead of putting down another 70ish bucks for a new copy.

I agree with you on staying away from the emachines/gateways. I only buy custom machines or build them myself.

Realistically, the only way to get those specs for that price would be to do some efficient bargain shopping and buy and build it yourself. I would be happy to run you through a nice rig you can buy from somewhere like newegg, please pm me.

Well it would depend on where you are going to purchase that computer... In some countries, computer prices are not that expensive... and yes, efficient bargain shopping is effective...

Save hundreds and go to newegg.com and use their handy dandy shopping system to build yourself a custom machine.

Actually.....I use to be a big fan of newegg until I started doing some serious price comparisons. The whole newegg is cheaper is a bit of a myth. In fact sometimes they are one of the highest places to purchase a completed package from. Don't forget to browse at manufacturers sites. For instance...if you want a Toshiba, go to the Toshiba site. The manufacturers have the ability to customize your order as well. If you cannot build your own dont forget about the little computer shops. Low overhead=low cost to the customer. Believe it or not Office Depot sometimes runs amazing deals. TigerDirect often has rebates you can take advantage of, they are similar to NewEgg in that it is hit and miss, somethings are high and somethings are low. Browse around a bit, invest your time to replace the money you want to spend.

If you are going to build something yourself and you want cheap parts you can check out pricegrabber.com.

NullPointer...Thank you for putting that. I have not been able to remember the name of that site and I needed it to find something!