Cheap Computers

I've been on a computer kick here lately, trying to learn some basic stuff. I realize that not everyone needs cutting edge technology, but I've got a few questions about cheap computers. Let's say someone was wanting a computer for internet, email, word processing, burning CD's, and watching the occasional DVD movie. That's mostly what I use my system for (except burning the occasional CD, no CD-RW). However, it's not uncommon for me to have an internet browser (or five) open, and also my email, word processor, jukebox, and another program I use that allows me to insert text into my word processor from some reference works I commonly use in my line of work so that I don't have to type it, all at that same time. While I'm certainly no "power user," I typically run several programs at once.

I was just wondering about some of the main drawbacks of, say, Celeron based systems, integrated sound and graphics, and so on. I know one of the drawbacks of integrated stuff is that you can't upgrade it, but other than that... Can you still expect decent sound and video with newer integrated systems? What exactly is the difference between Celeron (or cheaper AMD) systems and P4's (or higher end AMD's)?

I've been kind of wishy-washy here lately (Upgrade current system, leave it alone, buy a new one). I have decided that my current set up will work fine for quite some time, but I might go ahead and get a new system not too far in the future anyway. Or I may just change my mind an additional 31 times.

The reason I'm asking all of this is because when I bought my current system (mid-99), I made sure to buy a system that was easy to upgrade. Come to find out, I really didn't need to. The only thing I've done in 2 1/2 years is put in more RAM, and that only within the last month or two.

I've about decided that I'm one of those "If it's new, I'd like to have it" people. I'm also one of those people who seems to get more stuff than I need when I buy. That cutting edge (2+ years ago) 32 MB graphics card, for example. The only thing I can think of that it would have been truly helpful for was watching a handful of DVD's. Not exactly a good investment, I'd say. I could have spent considerably less than the $2000 I spent on my system and probably not noticed a bit of difference.

What I'm saying is that I'm probably the kind of guy who would have done better to buy a $1000 system then, and replace it with another $1000 system now (now that I've got the itch to do something).

Here's the catch: I don't want horrible graphics or sound (like my Celeron 466 at my office--pictures are kind of splotchy on it, and it's got that tin can tone). Again, I don't think I have to have top of the line. But I do like to turn up the occasional MP3 or CD, and watch the occasional video (or at least see a clear picture). And I don't want everything to get bogged down if I do decide to open up every piece of software on my system.

Um, this wasn't supposed to be this long. If you remember what the topic is, I'd appreciate some info.