Whirlybird,
It is all up to you. It is what you think you would do with a computer if you had a fast computer with a good connection to the Internet. You cannot use what you do now as an indication of what you would do on a computer, since you said it is "abysmally slow" and "crashing".
One thing is, you keep your computer for a long time. Most Dead End Systems only come with a 1 year warranty if you are lucky and they are made out of OEM parts. If you build your own computer or you have a person build a computer for you, then you get Retail parts that come with a 3 year warranty and they can be easily upgraded.
If you would like to build your own or have someone build one for you, we would be happy to advise you on which parts would be the best option for your current needs and perceived future needs.
I would not recommend buying a bottom of the line computer or the most expensive you can afford, usually neither are a good value in the end. The trick is getting a computer built with best bang for the buck components and can be upgraded.
Take Care,
Richard
P.S. WeatherJinx, no flak here. Everyone is equally entitled to their own opinion and I respect that, no matter how wrong it is.
