I am going to be purchasing a new desktop before eso comes out so I'll have no worries when it comes to lag and graphic issues. I have always had my eye on Alienware since I was a boy and am 99% sure they r who I'll get one from! unless someone really convinces me otherwise! that being said....
What are some thoughts on their products and would anyone be able to tell me which of the models from alien would be optimal for eso, they range from $700, to $1200, to over $2000.
Now keep in mind I am no computer whiz kid, it can't build one and I don't know much so I need something that the average joe could setup and play. If you have any specific details like how much memory I should need, what kind of processor, ectopic, things like that, please fill me in that will make choosing the right model a lot easier.
Also what kind of nice gaming systems are everyone else out here going to be using.

Overpriced, but not as much as a lot of the replies you're bound to get are going to imply. Plus, you don't have to deal with the hassle of building your own and ensuring things want to work with each other. Also, just as powerful as their reputation would have you believe. Just make sure that your configuration at delivery is exactly what you ordered - recently, I've talked to a few people that were outright missing a graphics card, had the wrong OS installed (thereby not being able to utilize all their RAM), etc.

I don't want to be "that guy" but I will be that guy.

DON'T BUY ALIENWARE.

So, here is my question to you, and what I would highly recommend -- Do you have any friends who can, or any interest yourself, in building computer?

Why? It's cheaper, You become a smarter individual. You are officially part of the PC Master Race.

Why not Alienware?

Well, they are overly expensive for one. Two, they svck at building computers. How do I know this? Well, I was like you many years ago. I was a bright-eyed pre-teen looking to get my first computer to play Half-Life! I heard Alienware is the coolest, so I knew immediately that they were the ones I wanted, until the unit arrived.

Let me make a long story short:

1. They forgot to plug in the power connector the motherboard, so the thing didn't power on out of the box.
2. It came with Windows ME (who made ANYTHING with Windows ME back then???).

Now, if you don't have any other alternatives or you are just feeling lazy (nothing wrong with being lazy!), then Alienware might be your best bet. But, if you can fit the round peg in the round hole, and not try to fit the square peg in the triangular hole, then you are qualified to build your own computer (it literally is that easy).

Also, my only real tip would be to invest in a decent processor if you're going to splurge on anything. People these days tend to stack RAM when they think their computer needs a power boost (because it's easily, and it's very noticeable when you don't have enough), but it's very easy to overkill in that respect. 90% of the time, the processor is going to be the limiter on your performance.

Also, once they were bought out by Dell, their customer support and QA improved drastically. Likewise, once you have a build in mind, give their support line a call with some sob story about how you want X configuration, but you're buying the computer on a school grant and only have so much money to spend. You can get like $300-400 off if you get lucky.

Dont buy Alienware but if you still want to do it the x51 is my favourite.

Building is extremely easy and there are e-shops that will build for you anyway.

If i was you i would check Tom's Hardware, pick a system and buy it from a store that will build for you.

Keep in mind if you learn how to build a pc you will be able to upgrade in the future, that will save you money.