Gilly,
Take your time.
First, decide what type of system you want. A standard desktop will be least expensive, but not as maneuverable as a laptop. Will a 17” monitor be big enough for you? The important thing is to compare features between like machines. Do you need a printer? Are there any particular software packages you want to use that are only available for a particular OS? If so, shy away from the others. If you plan to make this a gaming machine, go for speed – but it will cost you.
If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, they published a very competent assessment on Home Computers 2 months ago. It would cost you $5 to access their research. They were favorably impressed with some name brands
http://www.consumerreports.org/main...p?bhfv=7&bhqs=1
You can compare different systems easily if you will be running a Wintel box (MS Windows on Intel hardware). Ensure that the systems being compared have the same “sized” components, be they Monitor size, CPU clock rates or amounts of RAM or disk. How much is a printer (if you need one). When comparing like amounts of RAM, see if the acronym DDR is associated with it. DDR is fast RAM.
Check out Apple machines. The OS is rock solid, and has a VERY well thought out UI.
http://www.macmall.com/
http://www.macwharehouse.com/
If you or hubby is technically inclined, think about rolling you own as axe31 and PantyFanatic suggest; you could roll a fine Linux desktop machine for very little money.
Ask the sales staff how much shipping will cost. On occasion, they will waive the shipping. Are there any specials on productivity software (Word processor, spreadsheet, etc.).
I think that if you take your time and compare features, you’ll find that Apple and Dell (
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/def...s=19&l=en&s=dhs ) deliver very good value for money. Your situation may lead you to a different brand, but even then, they are useful reference points.
Finally, if you do not already have broadband access (if you are still using dial-up), think hard about getting it. Pages that take forever to load at 33K or 56K, do so in the blink of an eye if you are connected using a DSL or Cable modem.