What is the best bargain for a computer from the name brand companies?

I'm looking for a new computer. Either a desktop or notebook. I'm only looking for a gateway, dell, sony, or apple, I'm not interested in any other companies. What would be the best computer in the range of 500 to 1500 dollars. Also, if I do not travel much and do not need a laptop for work. Would it be bad choice to get a laptop instead of a desktop?

What is the best bargain for a computer from the name brand companies?
if your not going to use it i wouldn't get a laptop because they are more expensive than desktops purely because they are smaller but heh. and as an IT profesional I wouldn't buy a Dell, or actully any of those, you know if you buy from apple its a mac you don't get windows, just so your clear, and personally i would Buy a Compaq or Hp same company, much better customer support than dell and gateway meh. though yea i would spend around 1000 dollars.
Reply:None of the above. Dell is the biggest joke ever. They underclock their processors and they have a "secret" setting that prevents you from using about 20% of your computer's full potential.





Gateway's customer service has taken a major dive in the last few years.





Apple.... just plain sucks.





Sony....just plain sucks.





Build your own machine, or consider a cheap system from Ibuypower. They typically make gaming machines, but if you're only using it for things at home besides gaming, get one of their low-end systems and I guarantee you'll be happy with it. And it doesn't come pre-loaded with AOL and a gazillion ads and gimmicks.
Reply:Other than Apple vs PC, the computers are pretty much the same. Compare the specs, like memory, processing power, screen resolutions, etc. BTW, you can actually run windows on Apple. For finding bargains, check SearchAllDeals. Just start with a search term like "Computer".

garden ridge