This is exactly what you should do. The computer guys at Eisenhower on Monday will help you with the right decision, the right computer and will be there to help you with any issues after you buy it.

A lot of good info. Based on one of your answers about streaming I would suggest the following:
CPU not lest than a I7
Windows 10 in 64 Bit mode
16 gigs RAM ( a little over kill but will help in Large cases) but you can get away with 8 gigs in 32 Bit mode. Do not get 16 gigs if you are running in 32 bit mode a big waste
nothing to do with computer but a good Up/Down Bandwidth
Watch out for useless software that is preload.
Now do you want to watch in comfort or squinting? How close are you going to be to the screen?

Bought mine from Costco online. Better price than any store.

MMD did not help me.

For what the OP stated he was going to use the system for, even an I5 processor is overkill so he most definitely doesn't need the I7. The big difference between I5 and I7 is hyperthreads and he won't be running any apps that can take advantage of that. Both processors have more actual cores than he will ever use. Actually an I3 processor would make even more sense but those tend to be in budget systems and I generally avoid buying the lowest cost version of anything.

Leesburg Computer Store
 

If you're in the market for a new computer, plase come by and see us at Computer Corner in Leesburg!

Computer Corner • Computer Repair, Sales & Service

(352) 460-1155 • 205 W. North Blvd • Leesburg, Fl 34748
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Eisenhower Rec Center Monday, Jan 13th 1PM
 

I'll be there with a Chromebook and a Linux system, come check them out. BTW, it starts ar 1PM.

I'm not disagreeing with you on function, but Best Buy currently has 844 different PC laptop computer models for sale. Of those 844 models, 404 of them have an I7 processor, 268 of them have an I5 processor, and only 24 of them have an I3 processor. The rest have an I9 or a different type of processor. So, the most popular laptop processor appears to be the I7.

Of course most of those systems have the I7 because it "sounds" better. The majority of people have no clue what they are buying, what their real requirements are, and how best to satisfy those requirements. For the majority of people, their home computing needs would be best served by Chromebooks (or Chromeboxes) with ARM processors or tablets such as an iPad.

Because most people get advice from the wrong people and over buy and over spend.
IMHO

Go to jacob's computers in wildwood- he can build you anything you want at a great price---- store is south of 466a on main street

You can get a desktop custom-built locally, picking the best configuration for your needs.Mine was done by Villages Mobile PC Repair about three years ago. Owner Thomas Hodgson may not be a sweet-talker but he knows his stuff. You end up with the best of name-brand components

I've built multiple computers for multiple clients over the years so here's what I would suggest for what you use a computer for.
Robot Check
That laptop has the basics of what I would go for. There's an upgraded version that has a bigger hard drive. If all you do is read email, look around some forums and stream some tv, this will do everything you need.

If you want something a bit faster and more meaty, this is a good choice: Robot Check


If you're going to be streaming tv, make sure you have a good router and internet package in the house. If you would like to more detailed help, feel free to Direct Message me and I'll help you find something that will fit your needs.

You really don't need more than 8gigs of ram. My wife and I are hardcore gamers and we self-built our systems. Her's has 16gigs of ram and she's running all the modern games on Ultra quality. You're not doing anything even remotely comlex, so don't blow a bunch of money on something that will be overkill.