Need a machine

[austi003]

While I am a good business user of computers, I am by no means an expert of how to build a machine or what all of the various specs are, so I thought I would come here!

Here's what I'm looking for - I want to start learning photoshop and blender to work on home use projects for various digital paintings, 3D renders, etc. At least for the time being, I would most likely not get into animations, just basic scenes in Blender.

I'm willing to spend up to about $1,500 - $1,700 if needed to get a machine capable to effectively run Photoshop and Blender for home use. What's a good machine? (If you have a good mid range and high end option that would be helpful too!)

I've looked at the 27" iMac and HP Pavilion models, but thought more of a custom machine from a site like newegg may be better.

Any suggestions would greatly help! (I would most likely prefer a pre-built machine rather than one I would have to build myself)