Computer advice -- what features do I need?

[Zerandise]

p4p800 motherboard
p4 3.0ghz cpu
512mb ddr400 stick of ram (I dont think you'll need 1gb, unless you plan to play a lot of games, etc).
I like the maxtor diamond max 10 sata drives personally. I'd shoot for at least 200gb now, simply because the price is so cheap.
dvd burners are very, very cheap and a great way to store digital photos. I have a great burner, made by Benq.
As for video cards, I am not really up to snuff on the latest and greatest. I'd shoot for something with atl least 256m on board memory... other then that I am unsure (I run a radeon x800 XT in my machine, but I dont think you want a $700 video card

all those parts are good for a nice base machine that will last awile. I personaly dont like Maxtor as they tend to die faster than any other drive (based on the returned we have) and only have a 1 years warranty. The samsung and seagates are a good solid drive and have 3 and 5 years depending on the drive. DVD burners are nice and cheap but get a good middle of the road one. Dont get a low end model like a BenQ or Aopen. The LG and Lite-on's work great and have very few returns. As for video a simple radeon 9550 256meg will do ya just fine for a long wile. The cost on them is also rather thrifty. the sonata is a rather nice case in noise is an issue. A GREAT powersupply is a MUST. In my eyes it is by far the most important item in any computer. On that note dont go cheap on the ram brand as well. Transcend does very well for us and is only a couple bucks more than cheap ram. This will save you alot of headache in the long run.

If you need any help picking parts let me know I would be more than happy to lend a hand. I have had a bit of experience with computers