Desktop or any computer buying is tricky. Problem is the amount needed to invest and then after a few months you feel , I want this in addition or I left this in my purchase. Dell has been given different views by different people I talked. But I say its a good choice.
Computer may trouble, no matter which company they are, but an overall view can be deduced. IBM, SONY are too expensive, HP & compaq are not reliable. Notebook is a little too much investment so you need something affordable and also which do not trouble you later. Dell fulfil this demand. Inspiron 4000, is light compact but still with enough to full fil the demands of day to day life. dell has given me good performance with good mobility, a price which is reasonable and great support from the company. Quality of component is good.(I am based in USA, so check out in India).
A good configuration like I have (see below) is around 1500 US $.Its a compatible price. The quality of the things is good. I had problem with my DVD Rom drive and they changed it immediately. There tech support is also great. You can reach them by net also, wherever in world you are and they respond always quickly and do there best, a thing which is really helpful in maintaining your computer