If...custom setup

[Harry Putnam <reader newsguy com>]

If you had a choice of computer setups, what would you choose?

I'd like to setup a system at home with all unix/linux friendly
components.

I'll have the system put together from select components.  I'd like to
keep the expense within reason (app $2,000) but have a custom setup
with the best HDD, CDROM, motherboard, cpu and esp. video, sound, and
nic cards.  All need to be totally linux compatable and configurable
by a semi-newbie (1 1/2 yr with Linux).

This will be for home use, but it will be a gateway for several other
home machines 

I'd appreciate hearing what other peoples choices would be and why.