[MikeDubreuil]

I use gentoo on the desktop and on the server. It's application management system is just awesome.
As long as you can follow directions, and don't need your computer for 2 days, you can do a stage 1. I would recomend either a Stage 1 or Stage 3, Stage 2 really doesn't do much for performance.
I'd recomend you either print out or have a seperate computer avaliable to view the instructions. It's imperative that you have the instructions while doing the install.

FYI: I did a Stage 1 install on a dual Athlon MP 1600, it took over a day to compile everything.

EDIT: If you do do a stage 1 install, don't get too agressive with the compiler flags. Or you will experience odd errors, or it just plain won't work.