Digital BW, The Print

Lou, you really need to determine at what level you're working at and whether or not you need a low, mid or high spec. machine. The lower end machines of today that people say are ok for email, writing letters, etc., just two years ago were considered screaming machines. One of the best times to buy is during the runup to the Christmas holiday. Another idea is to check out tigerdirect.com or compusa.com for some great deals on recertified boxes; get on their mailing list for the frequent specials. Still, you could clean out your old box with a free program like AdvancedSystemCare from iobit.com. Then pick up on Ebay the highest spec cpu your motherboard can take (probably $20) max the ram and you may be happy for another year or two. By then Windows 7 will have a service pack out and there'll be lots of info on whether it works well with PS or not. Finally take the $2k plus this method will save you and invest it in gdx, an etf of goldmining companies and you'll likely double your money. Really.
-MK