Hi everyone, I'm in the market for a new desktop computer and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the different brands and options out there. I'd really appreciate insights from those with more experience about which desktop brands you think are the best and why.

Some key things I'm looking for in a desktop:

• Reliable performance for productivity tasks, web browsing, streaming video, and some light gaming
• Reasonably priced in the $700-1000 range
• Good build quality and durability (I plan to keep this computer for 4-5 years)
• Decent customer support and warranty in case any issues come up
• Upgradability so I can add more storage, memory, etc. in the future as needed

I've been researching some of the major brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS. They all seem to have various models that could fit my needs and budget.

Do you have a strong preference for any of those brands based on your own experience? What do you see as the key strengths and weaknesses between them? Are there any brands I should definitely avoid?

I'm leaning a bit towards a Dell or Lenovo desktop based on my research so far, as they seem to have solid reputations for reliability and customer support. But I'm definitely open to other opinions.

Alternatively, I'm somewhat considering building my own desktop PC to get the exact specs I want. For those who have gone the DIY route - is it worth the extra effort compared to just buying a pre-built system from a major brand? How much money can you typically save?

Any advice or tips you can share based on your knowledge and experience with different desktop brands would be greatly appreciated. I want to make an informed decision and get the best value for my needs and budget. Thanks in advance!