Dimension 2400

there is certainly nothing wrong with the dimension 2400 but it is a relatively dated machine. yes you can install a larger hard disk, but not a second hard disk because of the absence of a drive cage that dell theoretically sells for $10 but has canceled my order 5 times in a row for no reason. memory upgrades are limited to the two slots on the motherboard, meaning that you should install a large stick because a second upgrade would mean removing one of the first two sticks. and alas the video... perfectly good for surfing the internet, word processing and the like, but can't handle serious games (kids games are no problem.

however, having said all that... i notice that dell often charges a fat $99 shipping on the low end machines and that kills them in my mind as being a 'value' buy. i suggest you have a look at the low end compaq machines that are on sale in slightly different configurations through retailers like bestbuy, circuiticty, and staples. the compaq's that come with amd sempron processors are an amazing value and come with an agp slot that offers a future video upgrade path. last week staples had one for just $329 with monitor, this week circuit city has one (slightly different) for $389 that includes compaq presario sr1616nx with amd sempron 3200+, combo cdrw-dvd drive, 100gb hard disk, 512mb ram 6usb, 1 firewire, multi format memory card reader, 17" compaq crt (deep fat, not slim lcd) monitor, hp color printer (junk, but it's free - they make up for it if you buy their $24 cable instead of a $5 one from buy.com), and a full one year warranty.