Dell vs. Alienware? Alienware hands down. To use Dell's site and custom build a pc similar to Alienware can't even be done to my knowledge... I do however have to agree with everyone in that Alienware is also one of the most expensive, which is of course why you don't pay full retail for it, you buy on eBay, Yahoo Auctions, or uBid and get it for near wholesale pricing.I do also agree with TimothyA in that if you are able to build a pc yourself, go with Newegg.com. I've personally ordered their products and they were very good to me.One other recommendation which I don't brag about, but does exist, is that you can go to Wal-Mart and get their eMachine, not the $500 one, but the $600 one and it is actually a decent computer, if your not doing intense gaming of course.