>>>> What I need now is a recommendation for a reputable site. Does
>>>> anyone
>>>> have one?
>>>
>>> Outpost.com has always been cool for me.
>>> http://www.outpost.com/
>>> [...]
>>
>> You're lucky I don't believe in mail in rebates,
>
> Me too. They're a scam.
>

I'm still trying to figure out how Viewsonic lost my brother's rebate info.

I've never seen registered mail just dissapear like that.

>> otherwise I'd be
>> pissed as hell that I just spent $200 for an OEM version of this:
>>
>> http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3483523/
> 
> Ooh! Thanks for the tip. In this case I might make an exception to my
> anti-mail-in-rebate policy. I've been thinking of making a DIY these days.
> Have you see the Shuttle XPCs? I'm rather drawn to them.
> 

Yeah, I've seen them in person.

The only problem with non-standard cases, is that you severely limit your 
upgradability.

As long as you aren't planing on running games on it, it should last you
for at least 5 years.

I built my computers from scratch (grew the silicon wafers myself) so if you
need any tips/help/advice, send me an e-mail and I'll be glad to help.