Good by to a good friend. Requesting advice

[unixpgmr]

My desktop computer finally gave up the ghost. After 7 years, it died. It just won't boot anymore. It has a new hard drive and all tests and checks say the hard drive is ok. I still have my tablet which is how I am posting this message.

I need to replace the machine. Does anybody have any suggestions? I am sorry, but as much as I would like an Apple machine, I can't justify the cost at this point.