pre-built desktop for under $1200 (w/o monitor)

[subgenius]

A friend of mine got a hold of a 17" flat screen, and has decided to get a new desktop to replace his laptop. He doesn't want to learn how to build a desktop himself, so I'm looking for recommendations for pre-built desktops under $1200. I think his requirements are something like this:

2.5 GHz+ CPU (AMD or Intel, he doesn't need top of the line)
512 MB or 1024MB RAM
120 GB HD or larger
DVD-ROM
CD-RW
128 MB Graphics card

In general, I'm trying to steer him toward buying a desktop with really good quality parts. I think it will be a good investment that way, instead of buying the equivalent eMachines system. Can anyone recommend a manufacturer (large or small) that builds the best pre-built PCs? And with the specs above as guidelines, what setup would you get for under $1200?

 

[bunnyfubbles]

get the parts yourself and build it only take the profit that would have gone to the supplier you would be buying it from, that is if you're not too willing to do it for him for completely free (as it can be rather time consuming getting everything together, putting it together, and getting it working good).

 

[gsethi]

get him a Dell Dimension 8300 or Dell Dimension 4600.

Should not cost more than ~$900 with everything you want (use coupons and MIRs).

 

[subgenius]

I'd consider building him a machine myself, but I live near Boston, and he's in Chicago, so unless he trusts FedEx (and my ability to build him a system), I'll probably look at the Dells. What about IBM or HP? Are they worth looking into, or are they all more or less the same? Thanks for the help guys.