I know that I'll probably be flamed, but, do consider a Mac. I've been using them since 1987. I have to use XP and wintel computers at work and I got to tell you that if you want a trouble free experience. Go for it. They are pretty damn competitive now pricewise too. You get a lot in each box. And, your peripherals will work with them too. The Mac's new operating system, OS X is wonderful. It is incredibly stable -- much more so than XP. Believe me, you will never say, "I've had it" with a mac. I have NEVER had one die on me and now crashes never occur. Memory management is much better than XP. Just consider it. You won't be unhappy.

 

I don't want to start the same tired old arguments (look above, I own a Mac and a PC and like them both!), but I have to say that I have zero complaints about the stability of Windows XP. Windows 2000 has also been excellent in that respect (my experience).

Both OS X and Windows 2000/XP are worlds ahead of Windows 9x or Mac OS 8/9. You won't be disappointed by either one.

 

i definetely agree with this. i just sold my snow imac to save up for a new mac

 

If you haven't already bought or built go to http://www.pcboost.com and checkout their complete systems and barebones kits.