If I were building a machine for best long-term value and short term performance, this is what I would currently put it together with:

CPU: Intel Core i7

Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon HD 4870X2

Memory: 12 Gigabytes

OS: Windows Vista 64-bit (moving to Windows 7 with the first beta)

Hard Drive: Intel X-25E Extreme SSD for the boot drive, A 1 Terrabyte drive for secondary.

Monitor: Good 24 inch LCD.

Must-Have Software:

• Object Desktop Ultimate
• Multiplicity
• Windows Live Mesh
• Impulse
• Microsoft Office
• Steam
• Corel Draw
• TechSmith Jing

Must-Have Games to install immediately

• Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate
• Sins of a Solar Empire
• Left4Dead

Must-Have Games to prepare for in 2009

• Demigod
• Dawn of War 2
• The Sims 3 (yea, I admit it)