My first major computer purchase was for a PC (I investigated Macs at the time but they were even more money) ... Somewhere in the early 1990's I got a 486DX2 with 16MB RAM, 100MB HDD, CD, Floppy, NEC 17" (which still works as great now as it did then) HP scanner, some software and a WINPrinter (worst printer ever) for just over $14,000.00 - I eventally spent another $3-4K over the next couple months getting more memory and another HDD.
My worst single purchase was $1500 for a USED 100MB hard drive to use in my 386.
I wish I had that money now - what I could buy .. hmmm ...