BRL,
If you are going to go with a Dell Notebook or any of the other major computer maker's Notebook you are fine. Notebooks are expected to be all proprietary.
If you are going to go with a Desktop, either build it yourself or go with someone like Mesh that uses all Name Brand parts and does not make Proprietary (a.k.a. Dead End) Computers.
Dell, Packard Bell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc. are all the same. They all make it so if you want to upgrade one of their desktops, you have to go though them and their price to upgrade is so close to the price of a new computer, they get you to buy a new computer. Then they own you.
My best customers for my computers are people that have already owned a Dell, Packard Bell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc., since they know how bad Dead End Computers are.
Take Care,
Richard