My last 5 pc's have been Dell's, most were from the refurb department and you really can't build a pc for less $$.. Yes, the customer service has gone to shit if you don't know what you need, but for someone who knows what is up you can usually speak slow and clear.. "SEND ME A HARD DRIVE!" "HAAAARD DRRRIVE" and get what you want. XPS support is much better than Dell's regular support, but for the most part all if the support complaints is the frustration of trying to understand the other person. Dell will always do you right, so you never have to feel like you are wasting your money.