I probably won't have anything to contribute, but here I go.
How much do you see yourself using a computer for art? How's the computer your on now? Get playing around now with some free software like GIMP or Paint.NET and get a grasp of what you want to do. If what you're going to do is mostly cleaning up scanned pictures then you won't need anything powerful at all, and a modest rig will do fine for a hobbyist/semi-pro at painting, too. I haven't shopped for scanners in years. Any computer will work with a tablet, it's basically a more sensitive mouse, but you might want to consider the size and space on your desk to use it. I know plenty of people think a 4x6 is big enough, unless you like working big.
I've been sitting in a drafting chair all day, and my ass hurts. Make sure you have a comfortable chair.
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