Pre-builts are only good from certain places. I used an apple based computer in my Cal2 class and hated it (personal preference). It honestly wasn't worth a crap. It was far too slow to be "$2k computer." I started looking at the specs...and it had a slower processor than my $700 gateway laptop...and only had 2GB of ram...and a vid card that was nowhere near able to support even the simplest of games. My point isn't that Apple comps are bad and I honestly think that all of your comp's problems are user errors or neglect towards the PC...b/c I've only had 1 problem with mine. The HD crashed after 2 years, but I was able to salvage every bit of info and port it to a new HD and it only cost me $50.
So, essentially what I'm saying is that Apple over charges for sub-par equipment...