Currently I’m using a dell laptop (p4, 2.4ghz, 256ddr, 32vid) for everything: web design, downloads/uploads, music, games, you name it. I’v been working extra hours lately and want to get myself into a new machine. I’v head that the new apple g5s are off the hook but not sure if I want to spend that much especially since prefer using a pc. I’m most likely going to build a machine but would like some product tips before I begin. I want to make sure I build a system that will last through the fast paced speed increase as long as possible.
Read through this thread: Click here There is some very helpful information there. 
The best Windows PC money can get you not as stylish as a g5 but its more powerfull than a G5
idk i’d have to go with Alienware (if you have the $)
better yet, look at their best offers, purchase the parts, and build it yourself.
my friend has a dell XPS, spend over 2k on it, and mine is just as good for about $1000…hehe
plus, if you build it and it breaks, you can probably figure out how to fix it without having to wait for a representative to fix it
but anyway, Alienware has some great stuff…laptop and desktop…and has won just about every award ever
Since you said you might like to build it, then do so. You have the advantage of knowing what you want and what to install and not to. Every computer manufacturer has to have some kind of profit and usually means your buying a computer for the wrong price. What types of hardware can be decided on the basis of what you need and what your doing. I dont think from my view, that you should mingle with misc. usage such as games, downloads, random pics and so forth, with web-design. If both of them mingle, it most likely would slow your processor and so it would be annoying. Luckily you still have that current machine, keep that computer for things like games and so forth because in regards to the comp specs you listed, its enough to run most applications. (i think 32mb vid is sufficient). Get yourself a new computer and this is what i think you should need. These are only rough ideas and how much your willing to spend.
- P4 2.8ghz / or higher
- 512 ddr or 1024mb ram
- Motherboard with ddr 400 support, fsb800 support, serial ata, 8x agp
- Seagate 200GB Barracuda IV 7200RPM Hdd, 8Mb cache
- Nivida Geforce 4 mx440 64mb / ati radeon 9800
If you think thats not enough, increase the ram to 2GB ddr or even rd, the HDD to 400GB, and the graphics card to a ATI radeon x800 pro/xt (256mb).
