portacom have always sucked for prices. anywhere else is cheaper. go the prk advice. it's what I do ;)
and you have enough geek friends to help you put it together if needed.
if you really want to do price comparisons look at www.staticice.com.au
it's like froogle for Aus computer bits.

and what is it with young people being incredibly stupid?

oh wait, it's part of their expected behaviour