Everything runs fine on run of the mill laptop and Win 7 32. Unless you are rendering files a lot, you can put the entire software and 20,000 songs (I think I'm close with lots of duplicates), on a system that runs great for under $400.

Soon, as in within 5 years tablets will run it fine and you can downsize the computer. For those who love big flashy systems some places are selling big systems with neons lights etc. Just be aware of fan noise.

Every year you screen will get dimmer (Just like the lights in the house), for the makers are trying to save money.
Also note that the sound output drops a bit for the same reason.
You need some sort of eyewear to compensate.
Also as technology gets better they come up with ways to tighten lids harder and harder to the point you need someone younger just to open the jam.

The street I live on is even longer but I don't know how they did that. I used to run then jog around the block. Now I don't even try it unless someone knows where I'm going and I have to go before and take water for the trip. I even have a backpack, cell phone, and book to read if need be. I just wish there was a bench at the 1/2 way point.

Younger people need those jacked up gaming computers.

For me, and this is my personal opinion based on nothing that matters to most people, the fact I wait 8 seconds or 2 seconds to render the song and start playing it is really not important. I'll perhaps sip my coffee.

The laptop I mentioned I'd put just band in a box and rb on it, keep it off the net, and turn off updates. Once it's running fine. Wireless printer and Bob's yer proverbial uncle.

John Conley
Musica est vita