Quote Originally Posted by Warpe
You shouldn't spend more a grand and probably quite a bit less for a good mid-priced machine. Go brand name, minimum dual-core, likely quad-core processor, minimum 6GB RAM, discrete graphics card, lots of USB ports, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a Blu-ray burner and TV tuner card. Hit Best Buy or whatev.
I am also pretty bad with electronics but have been researching the exact same topic as the OP for about a month and almost none of these these things seem necessary if he's really using it for what he says. I doubt you need to spend more than $500 to get a machine worthy of your needs...