oh BTW Dell has been using decent mobos, and Seagate HD, but I have
had one HD go out in one that was about 18mo old.
No warranty of 5 years through dell, and Seagate says you got go to them.
7 other 3100 workstations, refurb, are going on 2 years now w/no problems.
The main thing is what kinda price range are you working with???
Like chic said they are mostly the same, but you do have to get just the
right model, within the respective companies.
The 2 main things you want to quiz them on are the HD brand, and Mobo model/brand.
Don't get one with an IBM HD Deathstar.
Look for the models that use like ASUS mobos, maybe an ABIT model...
If you can get one custom built, use someone you really trust, and be
be prepared for the extra software cost.
Software is something else too. If you get one Totally preinstalled with only some kind of restore disk,
instead of the separate installation disks, if the HD goes, it may cost more to repair.
Always make sure you backup your stuff.