Buying a new computer, would appreciate some input ;)

[Wolvy]

Alrighty, so I'm really looking to get back into graphics and I want a computer to be able to do my own school work on without the issue of strangling a sibling for PC access.
One problem, I'm not really sure what to look for and am upsettingly braindead towards the whole topic of "what to look for"
I want either a PC or a laptop, whichever turns out to be the better option in the end.
Usage:
Photo editing etc. so programs including PS/Corel etc.
Workplace programs such as Excel/Word
Photo/HV storage
Music/Video editing
browsing sites such as here
NO social network browsing
NO gaming
NO music/video downloads=movies, latest pirated rihanna album....
Side note:
-I'm limited in local store availability....Such as Staples,FutureShop and Walmart(I work at Walmart with a %10 discount)
-I'm looking for something as cheap and affordable as possible that can fit as many wants as possible. My main thing is to b able to have a decent card for use of PS....if excel/word is included that's a bonus/if not I'll end up splitting the cost of the programs alone with a friend.
-I have a monitor screen and adapters
-I am not sure which is a better option in terms of PC/laptop etc.
not really sure what else to say :/
If you have any tips/hints to contribute to my hunt, all are much appreciated!

[Bogui]

You could your own PC, you won't have to deal with the bloatware that comes with buying a new one.
The parts can be bought on Newegg, putting the parts together is like playing with LEGO, trust me.
Post your budget here with the parts that you currently need/want, and I'll come up with something.

[Kinetics]

Yeah basically what bogui said, i just built one for me, and 2 friends, all have been under 600 cept mine, but i use mine for gaming, either way, post your budget and we will help you

[Wolvy]

I'd rather not go over 700, as little as possible considering I just got back from a trip worth 5k. I have a few parts from older computers that may be usefull, such as my 8800 GTX*? from my old PC who's MB very depressingly died.

[Allseeyineye]

I'd rather not go over 700, as little as possible considering I just got back from a trip worth 5k. I have a few parts from older computers that may be usefull, such as my 8800 GTX*? from my old PC who's MB very depressingly died.

Then I suggest doing bogui's idea
For what you want from your PC, the budget is quitte good
Just make sure it runs all your photo-edit programs fluently, and it has some storage space for all the images

[edwinpabito]

you just need a very good video card w/c costs about 500$ and a mem ram w/c just cause 100$

[Synsational]

Exactly about how much money are you willing to spend and would you be comfortable purchasing a computer from the interwebs?

[Lewk]

Desktops are cheaper than laptops and have better cooling so you wont have to worry about melting a high power processor.
Always go custom built. They're cheaper and have better customer service. If you have a copy of windows 7 allready, you can save yourself quite a few bucks (I got it free because I'm a student) If you're running high resolution images in Photoshop, Go for an i7 processor (it really saves time when running filters) And get the highest RAM you can afford.
If you know your way around a computer you can build it yourself, which will save more money, but it's probably not worth the hassle.
If you're not worried about looks, get the cheapest case you can with all the functionality you need.
If you're running 3D programs, get a good graphics card, it's not as important when running 2D.

[Annokill]

Either an imac or a macbook pro, 2 really good computers with lots of processing power. Money range 1000$ - 1500$

[Allseeyineye]

Either an imac or a macbook pro, 2 really good computers with lots of processing power. Money range 1000$ - 1500$

they're very good, but you pay way too much for what you get...
and her budget was around 600 I believe