Hey, remember back in the old days when getting something new was exciting and fun? If you got a new stereo, or a new TV, or a new car, you were eager to try it out and explore all the new possibilities, remember that?

Yeah, I don't know if technology has gotten worse or if I'm just getting old but now the thought of a new computer, phone or even a new truck fills me with existential dread. Especially computers. I just wonder how many hours I'm going to have to spend trying to get the damn thing to do what my current computer does already.

Anyway, enough bitching! So my current Toshiba is getting a little long in the tooth (I got it in 2011.) I really need to upgrade to something newer and faster. Any recommendations?

It's hard to cross-shop Windows computers because there seem to be so many infinite variations of processors, memory, hard drive or SSD, screens, etc.

I'm not a gamer and I'm not a programmer. I need a computer that I can do work on (spreadsheets and such) as well as a computer with a decent video capability. Storage capacity has to be 1TB minimum because I have lots of files (music and photos.) A touchscreen is NOT required (in fact, I don't see much value in a touch screen for a PC.) Decent video/audio for watching Netflix and running iTunes would be nice. A backlit keyboard seems like it would be a good thing. 15.6" display is what I have now and it's plenty big for me, no need for anything bigger.

I know computers change so quickly that a specific recommendation is not easy but general recommendations for/against would be appreciated. Right now I'm leaning towards HP just because that's what I see most of in the stores. I've owned a couple of Dell's in the past and they seem somewhat cheaply made. My current one is a Toshiba but I guess they don't make laptops anymore? What about Acer or Lenovo?

Don't know much about processor types/speeds, so I don't know what would be better. Basically I want to keep this computer as long as I can so not looking for something that is likely to need upgrading soon. I'm looking to spend under $600.

I do have PX privileges and the nice thing about buying there is no sales tax. I saw a couple of likely candidates on my last trip. 1 is an HP with an Intel Core i5 8250U 2.o to 3.4GhZ processor, 1TB HD, 8GB RAM and a non-touch screen for $499.

I'm also seeing some interesting ones on Amazon but I'm always a little leery of buying from them (though to be fair I've had good luck buying computers from them in the past.)

So, just looking for recommendations or tips (OTHER than "Get a Mac." )