Photo processing machine - spec?

midlifecrisis

some good advice has been given here but id like to add my 2cents worth. My credentials are, have been a full time profesional photographer for over 30 years, ran a high street studio for 18 years. I went fully digital in 2000, a relative early adopter in the portrait and social market. 
Any midrange pc is capable of photo editing work, you dont need superfast processors, huge amounts of ram and definately no special graphics card. whether pc or mac, little difference except the price premium for mac. You also dont need the top of the range cameras, lenses, lighting.  Your best bet would be to save your money and put it towards your marketing, website and presentation materials. That is what will get you work, no one gives a shit about what equipment you use. As far as monitors, they are all decent these days just make sure you buy a colorometer, either eye match or colour munkee or spyder  or similar to calibrate it so your pictures /prints match the screen. good luck