Computer for a child...need recommendations
 

I'd like to do this as cheaply as possible, yet still give him something with enough power to play games. (an alienware is out of the question)

He's 9 and I'd rather have a laptop, just because of space issues. But I know I could probably get more system out of a desktop for the same $$.

Any recommendations are very much appreciated. I'm hardware stupid, so reading specs of different systems doesn't tell me anything.

a cheap dell

when not go for an xbox ?

I couldn't get my hands on an 360, even if I wanted to. And I'd really rather wait until the bugs are worked out a little more.

He's taking his first computer class this year, and I think now would be a good time to get him one.

I'll poke around and see if I can't turn up a Dell coupon somewhere.

a mac ahah

I'd say a cheap dell

None. My kid won't have a computer until she's 14 and if she's lucky; internet connection when she moves out.

wait some weeks and get an xbox :thumbsup

bravo :thumbsup