I'm not much of a computer techy. I went with a Dell because I wanted something I knew would work and last. All of my Dell computers have been fantastic in the past. I use it for gaming and work.
Studio XPS 435T
Intel Core i7 CPU 960 @ 3.20Ghz
12GB RAM
Windows 7 64bit
450GB HDD with two external 1TB HDDs.
I'm an animation student, so I wanted a reliable computer that could comfortably run Maya, Zbrush, Mudbox, Photoshop, Premiere, etc. Since my school's computer labs are an hour away, this makes homework a lot easier.
I made the mistake of putting my money in the external HDDs for the purpose of keeping work backed up. If I could change one thing about the PC, it would be to add a second internal 1TB HDD, for running programs. I haven't run into any problems, this computer is pretty boss, but a lot of animation/modeling programs are REALLY heavy, and keeping that on a HDD with my OS is going to be a problem someday. =(
Also, a larger cintiq would be nice. =o I have a 12" model, but at school we have the larger 21". The 12" works, I feel lucky to have it because a lot of students just have bamboo tablets, but man... 21"... *drools*
I also need to get a legitimate monitor someday. I'm using a Samsung TV now. I wanted something I could hook my PS3 up to, and didn't have the money or space for two separate displays.