My Dell Inspiron 8600 purchased in nov. 2004 is still going strong!
I've used it practically everyday since I got it!
A few months ago the internal wireless card died, but no other major problems.
Several weeks ago I picked up a Dell Inspiron 531 desktop and its working GREAT!
I believe this model was $600 just a few days ago:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...NDEHA1&x=0&y=0
The only thing with Dell is that they change their prices EVERYDAY so you have to buy at the right time...
http://icrontic.com/articles/dual_core