Gateway (e-machines) will deliver a top computer.  It has a lot of free included software, most of it you will not need.
Out of 3 computers that I have personally adquired of this brand,  and all of the computers we have at work (120) I will give this guide, so you can see what to expect when shopping for gateway.

1) This is not an american Company. Support is offered, but be aware that the support is limited and it takes a long time to actually get it.
Examples: 
a)IF you get a virus and you need to re-format the computer, the typical laptop will not include the complete drivers. The computer comes with the restore disk, but it only works on a windows-crash. Conveniently, Gateway will charge you $20 dollars to send you the drivers. It takes 1 week or more to get such drivers.
b) If one hardware component malfunctions (Support will only accept that fact after you have adquired the drivers and tested them), they will issue an RMA so you can send such component back. BE AWARE that Gateway only sends out RMA boxes in Batches. That is, if you are lucky enough you will get your box in 3 days, or 3 weeks worse case scenario. Then it takes 7-10 days for them to ship the computer back, plus another week to receive it.

2) BIGFIX software. This is an update software that keeps your computer up to date in patches and  utilities. My advice is to personally look what the patch or fix is going to do. As our grand parents used to say, WHY FIX SOMETHING THAT AINT BROKEN. This utility can actually crash your system on ocassion.

Our offices are swithching to DELL for future purchases. My recommendation is to do the same for the mean time.