Growing up, we had what we needed but not much more. After my divorce I barely had enough to feed myself and not live in a cardboard box under the freeway underpass. I wasn't happy, just always worried.
Now we can buy what we need and want in cash and I'm grateful and happy. Buying new gear, cameras, lenses, laptops, trucks, can be thrilling! It's a kick! And comes with a few minutes of "bragging rights"....until the next model comes out.
I think I've learned that the latest and greatest doesn't make me a better photographer or a better driver, so I sure don't need to upgrade any time soon. But I still love to look at the pretty new cameras, lenses, trucks, and SUVs out there.

I just retired from an IT job so while I'm ill-equipped to advise on photography post-processing, I can advise get a new laptop from HP, Dell or Lenovo with at least 8GB RAM,good video card, and solid state drive. If you're a member, Costco or Sams club has some decent selection and also have external back up drives at great prices. If your not a member, Best Buy has competitive pricing. The price of desktops and laptops have plummeted in recent years so you should be able to get something really nice for not too much money.

Best of luck!

Thank you for the links. It was helpful.

I guessed the right answer before seeing the answer. Yeah. Thanks Jerry for the trivia question.

A long way from professional so no pro cameras yet:
1965: Kodak Brownie - birthday gift from my parents
1981: Yashica 35mm with Vivitar flash and Tamron zoom lens - studied several photography books but couldn't take a class and suffered through contact sheets - no access and no clue on how to use a darkroom.
2001: Sony Cybershot 2MP
2006: Canon Rebel XT with 430 Ex flash gun 18-55 kit lens and Sigma 18-200 - played around with editing using PSP that I got when I bought my Dell desktop. I still think I should have learned film processing to really understand photography.
2017: Canon 80D still using my EF-S glass but thinking about a EF 28-105 so I could move up to full frame. Updated my PSP and Aftershot.

I remember seeing ads for Samy's camera store 10 years or so ago in Popular Photography magazine. Great to know they're still around. Sadly Pop Photo is not. Congrats on your new Leica!

Thank you Outback and Topcat! I'll play around with the contast. Unfortunately the foreground was neighbors rooftops so I'll try another angle next time.

Thank you Outback and Topcat! I'll play around with the contast. Unfortunately the foreground was neighbors rooftops so I'll try another angle next time.

Thank you Outback and Topcat! I'll play around with the contast. Unfortunately the foreground was neighbors rooftops so I'll try another angle next time.

Cool! Thank you so much for the link. I'm an old PaintShopPro user and I installed the upgrade on my desktop PC Windows 10, along with Corel Aftershot. I most frequently download my pictures to my Windows 10 2-in-1 laptop and it's nice to have something to do some quick fixes right on the laptop without having to go turn on the desktop to fire up PSP or Aftershot.

So far I've had great service from B&H and UPS has been given us good service. The fact that B&H is closed Saturday for their religious observance is admirable, and I respect them for doing so.

Yes I got a Fitbit Charge and a Fitbit Flex for my birthday. I use the Charge for tracking my walking and workouts and the Flex for swimming.

I'm a Type 1 diabetic and always used a pedometer to track my steps. Both have the "specialized charging cables" but I put both in a special spot in my drawer so they don't get lost. So far so good!

Over and above counting steps the Fitbit gives me little roboto phases to keep me motivated "You crushed it!" on my phone. That way I don't have to bore my family and friends to tears with workout details.

Congrats on the Fitbit! "You crushed it" 😁

Some of the newer Canon models (and I'm sure other camera manufacturers but I'm not up on what they offer) have Bluetooth besides Wifi which makes it even easier to upload to your smartphone and then post to SocialMedia. As the other UHH relies mentioned take your time, do your research, then go and try the finalists to see how they fit your hands and how easily you can reach the control buttons and knobs. What feels good in your hands and against your face? All the name brand camera makers provide wonderful choices for folks from beginners to pros.
When you finally decide, get one of the books that explains how to use your specific model of camera to explain all the menu options to shoot landscapes, portraits, wildlife and use flash. The book is an inexpensive but worthwhile investment. It makes going through the camera's owners manual a bit easier.

Best of Luck and enjoy!

My BB even had a few Leica along with a nice selection of Canon, Nikon, and Sony. I've never researched Leica so I'm unfamiliar with the models but did see the price tags. Too rich for my pocketbook. But I enjoyed looking anyway.

Photography equipment, watches, jewelry and trucks are fun to look at and window shop for even when I'm not in the market. But it definitely tests my self control.

I enjoy Barrett Jackson and Mecum. Thankfully there's no room in the garage!

Congrats on the new camera! I'm happy for you and more than a bit envious. Several of the local camera stores have closed down, the sad fate for many brick and mortar. Our Best Buy did have a really nice DSLR selection and for a big purchase decision, I want to see, touch, and feel so it's nice that I don't have to drive 20 miles across town. But the main point is congratulations on your fabulous new camera!