I asked the same questio to my friend and he asked me what do you do on  computer? I told him I have some accounting and statistial program to run other than that regular stuff. For regual stuff any processor are good compare to the paid  price. He added that  certain programs may  run faster  in old computer and bottom line is what kind of program we run. 

I think the same answer may applies to you too.  What is the sole purpose of computer use? Every 12-18 months new technology comes but you do not want to replace soon.

For regular stuff , those computer with 4  gb ram and over 25O gb hd is enough that is my personal view, we may disagree.

Back home poeple need webcam, face recognition , finger recognition , bigger is better  (17.3") with good video card so they can download and watch any movie they want ( specially in bed and  load shading time)  HD 1080 compatible is the best.

If you can put the screen cover before you bring it home is advised. Of course they are very sensetive to the  brand , may be a iMac or sony  is most. You know why , I offered a digital camera ( sony ) but they did  not take  it because  is not a DSLR.  Choice is receiver not the doner.