Computer Advice

[Scales]

I need a new computer. Aside from the internet, it will be used to manage the increasing amount of digital media accumulating in our house (transfer of digital pictures/ movies to disc for storage; conversion of old video and pictures to digital format, then transfer to disc).

I have become computer illiterate in the past few years and find myself at the mercy of the salespeople whom provide conflicting info/advice. I do not have time to research all the new technology/options. I will likely buy a HP (my last two computers were Compaq and I am told they are now the same company) or perhaps a Sony - seems more expensive but has appealing options...my concern would be general compatibility issues. The salespeople often pitch their "house brand" but it doesn't look like a huge amount of savings over the name brands.

I thought I wanted a P4, but I was told P5's are coming which will make the P4 "obsolete"...the salesman was trying to stear me towards a non-pentium product similar to the soon to released P5.

I think it is safe to say that I should get a DVD writeable drive capable of both + and - formats. I do not know if price of the new dual layer drive is justified.

Any advice from those with more knowledge?

Thanks.