"Gateway does have a nice trade in program... Yet I have never used this... "

Be aware: the trade in program will give you the WHOLESALE value of the computer against a new purchase after 2 years (I think). Anyone what to guess what the 'wholesale' value of a 2 year old computer is? You are better off keeping it and netwokring them togther ($100 kit) and letting someone else in the house have the second PC. You can then use one internet connection for both machines...

That being said, I have a Gateway and am very happy with it. No matter who you go with, you should find out how many expansion slots they have in the back. Few slots make it harder to add things later. You can often upgrade the case and get more slots for something like $35. This would be called a 'full tower' instead of a 'mid-tower'. It takes up more room, but may let you get more life out of it.

- Bob