Shopping for a new computer, how frustrating!

So I have what was an awesome HP PC but it's now 7 years old. I paid a lot of money for it and it has the ability to be compatible to today's computers....if I spend as much as it would cost for a new desktop that would probably be better!
I am looking for some advice and personal experiences. I am definitely looking for a desktop, HP preferably but open to options. I am an artist and also use my computer for movies/entertainment, connected to my TV. Mac unfortunately is out of the question, I definitely can't afford one at this point.
Technology today makes me feel stupid and old! Stupid for paying so much originally and old for wanting to hold on to it!

My advice is, whatever brand you choose, get the maximum processor speed you can find. IMO that is the most important thing since you can't upgrade it easily.
ram and hard drive can be upgraded very easily so it isn't worth it to pay more for these IMO..
Oh, and make sure the memory it does have is DDR3 (or higher)..it should say it on the specs next to the number.

I know how stressful it can be, because there is so much to look for and it can make your head spin, especially when you find a computer you think is good, but you don't know if there is anything hidden that you don't know about that it doesn't have that's necessary, etc...
I think it may be a good idea to show us a few models you are looking at here, or have a friend review your choice and tell you his/her opinion. That always helps me see things more clearly. There are members here who are very knowledgeable, I know strange_wings is into building desktops and such so you will probably get more useful advice

No advice but know how you feel about your HP PC. I loved my HP PC, I had it for 11 years. Paid $1100 (printer included) in early 1998 and was still stubbornly using it right up to November 2008

I never had a second of trouble with it, ever. never had a virus never had a crash. But Win '98 was obsolete and it got so I just couldn't do anything any more, like view videos, or even shop on line any more.

I've got an acer Vista lap top now, have been using it since December 2008 and it is serving me well, but my computer needs are few.

I've mentioned it before, but three of my last four computers have been HP refurbished units I bought from Fry's.

Fry's Desktop computers

Going down the list above, I see they have an HP refurb at $279, for example. On the unit I have now, I kept checking the web site. On the day before I bought it, it was $299. The day after I bought it, it was $299. But the DAY I bought it, it was $249, with free shipping!

In this case, refurbished does not mean previously returned for damages. Usually it means it was unsold at some store (often WalMart or BestBuy or some such thing) and returned when they changed to a newer model. The unit I have now showed no signs of ever having been even taken out of the box before.

Dell also has a scratch, dent, and built but not sold page.

We bought a brand new HP in the summer for $799 from future shop. That was everything including a 20" monitor. I don't know the specifics about it but its a good computer.