Buying a new computer..., ...what do you recommend? Options

[*thesweetescape*]

Okay, be resonable. Obviously, I'm not going to go out and buy and alienware, and no...I'm not building my own either (even though some day I'd like to attempt it.) What desktops or laptops would you recommend that would be a best deal for low price? I've shopped around a little online but I want to know first hand how these computers are running...I can't afford for a computer to crap out on me in a few months...and what I want is pretty basic: internet, word processor for school, cd burner, floppy drive....if possible, i'm looking for a laptop but if i can't find a cheap enough one ($1,000 or under) i'm going to get a desktop....soooo any suggestions?

[satisfied-tom]

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP....esktopComputers

R Series

* Up to Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 560 with HT Technology (3.60 GHz, 1MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)1
* Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 20042
* Advanced Cooling and Acoustic Technology
* Up to 2GB RAM3 and 160GB hard drive4 and ATI RADEON X600 XT

Starting at $ 1,598.99

OR

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP....esktopComputers

RS Series

* Up to Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology 3.20E GHz
* Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional available
* Watch & record TV with Giga Pocket
* Up to 1GB RAM and 250GB hard drive

Starting at $ 699.99