Back in the day, I was a huge fan of Gateway’s computers. One thing that I like was their custom built PCs, a service that ceased to exist after 2003. Well folks, it’s back! CNET announced that Gateway is once again, offering custom built PCs direct to customers. Will they be able to even touch the market with Dell in the lead though, it is hard to say.

The Irvine, Calif., PC maker on Thursday will begin offering configurable desktop PC models directly to consumers, resuming a practice it abandoned in 2003, when it launched its effort to become a consumer electronics brand.

Gateway will offer three new desktops, which start at $499 sans monitors, and give customers the ability to configure any model to their liking and their budget, rather than forcing them to pick between several preconfigured PCs. Gateway will even allow its least-expensive PC, the Gateway 3200 series, to be configured with a wide range of options, including DVD burners, said Rick Schwartz, a senior product manager at the company.