Dell Computer 17
John Slade
Tailored computer? Explain that. Obviously if someone wants to have an awesome gaming machine then they will want a top video card, motherboard, etc, but other than that how much "tailoring" can you do...and why? For the vast majority, Dell or Apple customizations will do nicely. Build a computer yourself only as a hobby. There is no real benefit to doing so otherwise. I used to be into the build it yourself mode, but the novelty eventually wore off and I got tired of paying the same amount of money on parts that I would on a new computer.
I can buy a new dell for $500 and get a heck of a lot more than you will buying a video card, memory, cpu and motherboard for $450. Bad advice, dude.
You choose the components you'll need. For example, someone who is going to do very little graphics work could save money. They could get a MB with a built in...
How? What is proprietary? The motherboard and cpu? So what? If your computer needs that much upgrading, buy a new one. Save yourself time and money.