I'm feeling overwhelmed and lost and confused. I need to buy a computer but there is so much information out there.

I was out all day shopping for one and I'm so ridiculously confused and there is so much to figure out. I don't know what to do.
I don't want to pay a lot but I don't want a piece of crap either. I don't know anyone near me who is well versed in the computer arts so I feel like I'm destined to screw up if I make this big decision alone.
I know I'm whining. Sorry. I just don't know what to do here. If theres anyone who knows about computer systems and whatever else goes along with them, please PM me. I need HELP!!!!!
tina
"we were meant to live for so much more, and we lost ourselves"
Switchfoot