Before you buy, make sure to check dell’s scratch and dent site. Inventory is not always predictable, but if they have what you want, it will generally be priced pretty well, and often includes software that you’ll probably need anyway. (Pay no attention to those who say their products suck. They do have a couple very decent lines.) The other great benefit of buying scratch & dents is quick shipping. Everything is already packed and ready to go. I ordered my current laptop at 4:00 PM, it was delivered by noon the next day.

Another consideration is skipping the desktop altogether and go with a laptop, a larger monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse. That way you have all the luxuries of a desktop but you’re always using the same computer. I haven’t touched my desktop in a year, the only reason i have it is that my printer is neither wireless nor network compatible, so it’s plugged into the desktop.