Why is it that all tech discussions lately have to go down this road? It ends up with everyone wanting to beat in their opinions like a band of techno-tele-evangelists when what the discussions should be based on is clear facts. If you want to challenge people's facts with just your opinions, then you're more inclined for a job in politics, not technology.
About the only thing missing here is, "I know you are but what am I?"
/end rant
All things said, you have to answer a few questions for yourself first to narrow down what you are needing. First, what is your budget. Second, what usage do you intend for the system (running Adobe design systems, running a wide format printer, or just plotting vinyl?) Third, what is your foreseen future intentions with this computer? What this means is don't just plan to buy a computer for what you need today only, but plan it with the idea of what you intend to use it for two or three years into the future as well. Otherwise you will end up needing to replace your system more frequently than you might have wanted.
Do you want a laptop or desktop system? Do you understand the pros and cons of going both ways? Finally, after you have these questions answered for yourself, you will have a much better idea of where to begin looking.
For example, if you just need a basic computer with limited performance to do simple tasks like browsing the internet, handling word documents, and occasionally outputting on a plotter, then yes you open up the realm of budget computers in the $500 range or so. These computers aren't going to last as long, nor offer the performance of, much more expensive systems, but they will get you by. These are the kind of computers you can go buy of the shell from the big store chains, though it's still recommended (even by the direct manufacturers like Dell and HP) that you go with their entry level business systems for business reliability and intended usage.
On the other hand, if you're planning to do some heavy design work or utilize this computer as a RIP for a large format printer, then you're going to want something a little more powerful to give you the most efficiency at handling those most demanding tasks. Do these tasks still require the most powerful computer out there? Of course not, but, it's still recommended for the sake of your most valuable assets (time and energy) that you invest more in these kinds of systems. A $1,000 system is going to eliminate the majority of simple off-the-shelf systems from be chain stores, and you're looking more at the mid to higher end business systems or custom systems to perform this kind of work.
Again, consumer computer systems, whether you're looking at a Dell, an HP, and Acer, whatever, it's hardware intentions are built really for basic tasks like checking your email, watching online videos, and playing facebook games with the idea they will be used only an hour or two every day or less. However, your business computers are built with the understanding that these are computers demanding more powerful tasks like content creation, database access or hosting, word and graphics processing, etc. and are intended for all day every day usage. This difference shows in their hardware, it shows in their software, and it shows in their direct support. Now, I'm not trying to push you getting one brand over another, as really that is a little more detailed of a discussion than what we have gotten to yet with the information available, and is more based on end user preference. In reality if I'd have to make a recommendation it would still be a custom-built system by someone who knows what real high quality hardware is, who knows how to fine tune the system specifically for your needs, and who is available for you any time you have questions or need support. This would be where I suggest calling Casey with Signburst.
