Curious as to why you don't like Dell...
Sure, you can build a comp yourself - maybe for cheaper.
But, for the home consumer I see Dell as a good alternative.
I've used Dell/Micron/Gateway comps for years now.
Never had a problem with customer service or the computers.
I will however agree on one point - Vista blows right now...
After replacing the hard drive in my Dell 3 times
first time was 3 days after warrenty, customer service said sorry about that.
I'm on my 3rd IBM laptop, never have had a problem, just updated technology. My first one was a 286 processor, newest is a dual core.
Just bought a Gateway desktop, very similiar to the Dell above (TV tuner, DVD burner etc) Jury is still out since it's new. So far, so good though.