my computer blew up

Ok, not really, but an electrical fire and some sprinklers in my building took it out.  Anyway, I\'m considering the following options as a replacement:

Mac Mini -http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/apple-mac-mini-2/4505-3118_7-32564376.html?tag=mncol;lst

Pros: Sleek, Sexy, small, stable OS
Cons: Embarassing specs at that price compared to non-mac offerings, none of my old parts will work in there.

Gateway LX 6810-01 -http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-lx-6810-01/4505-3118_7-33513654.html?tag=mncol;lst

Pros: 8 GB Ram out of the box (very important to me), expandable and upgradeable
Cons: Vista, bulky, not as good processor as the dells, DDR2 mem vs. DDR3 on Dell

Dell XPS 430-121B - http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-xps-430-121b/4505-3118_7-33512961.html?tag=mncol;txt

Pros: Better processor than gateway, DDR3 memory (only 6GB vs. 8 tough), expandable and upgradeable
Cons: Vista, bulky, bad graphics card, less memory (though DDR3 vs. DDR)

Those are my three, I\'m leaning towards the gateway but would like some input.  Feel free to make other recommendations as well.  I don\'t have the time to build a new machine so that\'s out.

I got my hard drives out of there (all four of them) and am praying that they are safe.  I\'m going to invest in a Drobo as I\'ve always wanted one anyway.

throwing another one in there... it barely squeaks by my under $1000 rule

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saving/show.asp?id=1855006

[videoholic]

I think you should try and fix your old one.

I would just make sure it has a neon light so you\'re ready for OSX Snow Leopard

jerk comments aside i would go with the Gateway to save some $$, unless you encode videos or play games...  then the extra hp will come in handy

Actually the rig I added in the 2nd post is actually going to cost me sub $900, I got a coupon code off the internet for 5% off and then there\'s some rebates involved too.

Your old machine... didn\'t you build it yourself?  Is that just something you don\'t want to mess with?

Your old machine... didn\'t you build it yourself?  Is that just something you don\'t want to mess with?

Yep I built it myself.  Although it wasn\'t that difficult, it was time consuming.  When I was in college I had all kinds of time on my hand, now, even on the weekends I just don\'t have the time.  Aside from that, I kinda have a "been there, done that" attitude about it now.  It\'s just easier to have someone build it for me.

I\'m sure I\'ll become ambitious and build again, but not now. :/

Yep I built it myself.  Although it wasn\'t that difficult, it was time consuming.  When I was in college I had all kinds of time on my hand, now, even on the weekends I just don\'t have the time.  Aside from that, I kinda have a "been there, done that" attitude about it now.  It\'s just easier to have someone build it for me.

I\'m sure I\'ll become ambitious and build again, but not now. :/

Same position as you.  Did all that and more in college.  Now I have no interest in DIY, overcloacking, researching what parts work w/what, or hax0ring my bios for 5 more fps.