Good media PC specifications?

[Sly21C]

I currently have a pc with the following specifications: P4, 640 RAM, 120 GB Harddrive, 64 MB Graphics card with a 19" LCD wide screen monitor. I obviously have a keyboard and mouse, and a XP Home Edition service pack 2 operating system. I also have a graphics TV Tuner card. I mainly use my pc to play music and to watch TV and to watch DVDs on it, that's if I am not working on it by doing assignments and other school work. I work for a living and study part time.

I bought my pc in early 2005 and I upgraded it to what it is now. I am planning to get internet access next year. I am currently saving up and planing to sell the one that I have and to buy a new pc next year so that I can use it for internet, watching TV on my pc, DVDs, playing music, working and playing a few pc games. I'd also like to purchase a bigger LCD screen, a 22" screen. I think I'll keep my XP home edition, although I would like a media center operating system.

I don't like the idea of buying a TV, a dvd player and a home theater system AND having a pc. I want my pc to be an entertainment center and also a "work center".

I am hoping to save at least R10 000, so that will be my budget for next year. Any advice on what I should buy? Brand name? Hardware specifications?

I'd really appreciate your advice.

 

[gifs]

No point in getting advice now if you're only buying next year. With the computer market things can change drastically in a couple of months so wait until you are ready to buy and ask again.

 

[.Froot.]

No point in getting advice now if you're only buying next year. With the computer market things can change drastically in a couple of months so wait until you are ready to buy and ask again.

+1. If you spend 10g now, the same thing will cost you 8g or less in 6-8 months' time.