Gates? Don’t make me laugh! This is the same idiot that said that some day computers would cost less than $1,000.
How can you take anything a guy like that says about future trends seriously?
I don’t know if you’re being sarcastic or what, but I built my gaming computer (dual core 3ghz cpu, 4gb ddr2 ram, radeon hd 4850 gpu among other things) for under $500 excluding a case/monitor/mouse/keyboard which I already had. With those things it would be closer to $700 if you don’t buy some luxurious peripherals and or some huge monitor. So, I’m not quite sure what you’re getting at. And that’s for a gaming computer. If you just want to do work on your computer you could build it for even cheaper.
I’m making this comment because many people aren’t aware but you can actually buy computer parts and assemble them yourself (it’s not that hard, look up videos on youtube) or are not aware of how cost effective it is to do so. Just thought I’d let you know in case you ever find yourself considering buying some random Dell computer for some ridiculous price like $1200. Also, a lot of bullshit prices get added on when they pre-install stupid software you don’t need or want. This does not happen if you do it yourself. :)