Revisions for New Computer

Hey Guys,

My current Ubuntu machine is an ancient POS with an 800MHz Pentium 3, a no name graphics card, 512MB RAM (I filled the slots with 128MB PC133MHz), and a 40GB HDD. It usually works for web browsing and programming microcontrollers, but sometimes it randomly quits stuff, the display will crash to terminal, the whole computer will lock up, or it gets really slow. It runs Ubuntu 9.10 rather well for such an ancient thing.

I have won in a science and technology competition with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCOk9EB47ys, and have some money to spend. I want to bring that device to market, so want to spend as little on a computer as I can. I don’t need a gaming machine, as I already have one. I just want a basic computer good for web browsing, and running windows 7. Personally, I wish I never tried Ubuntu / Linux. Why? I love using Linux, but find with the things I want to do (iTunes for my iPod, Microchip’s MPLAB, and PCB design) I need windows. Ubuntu really is a curse. It is so much better than Windows XP / Vista I can’t believe it. I have heard good things about Windows 7, so ould be willing to adjust. A possibility is to run a VM Player, which would be fine if my computer could actually run it.

So, I need help choosing a low cost (Really, I would like to spend less than NZ$1000). I have a huge 17” CRT monitor, but would like to replace it with a 17” LCD. This is providing it stays in the budget. I have a logitech mouse and keyboard, so I don’t need to replace those. USB ports are essential. I regularly fill my 7 port powered hub (I have a lot of development tools that use the USB). I am quite capable of building a machine, downloading and installing drivers. I am not capable of selecting parts that will work well together.

Help?

Cheers,

MM

EDIT:

AUD: $677.22