I for one am not happy about this idea. I have a compaq. There haven't been many complaints for me so far. The only thing I don't like is the built in video card. Otherwise everything has run great on it. I have had friends with HP's and they seem to have nothing but trouble. I don't know enough about computers to understand what the trouble is, but I know this compaq has been great so far.
As far as IBM goes...They do still sell Desktops and Laptops, but I get fliers from them about these deals. Owner Priveledges Program, since my first PC was an IBM. In the latest one they offered a 1.5 Ghz P4, with 40 gig 7200rpm HD and a GeForce2 video card. It was a bit pricey though.
My next machine will be custom built by myself or a close friend with my help. That way I can learn while I build. The more I hear the more I like the idea of building my own.
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The line between good and evil is razor sharp. Be careful of misteps,
lest you find yourself spitted upon your own blade.