Debian :: High End (But Not Bleeding Edge) Build?

Some searches seemed to indicate that it's been awhile since there's been a build thread, so I thought I'd start one. I'm looking to replace a six-year old machine (Athlon XP 3200+ processor (introduced in 2003), integrated graphics with no dedicated graphics card). I'm rocking Windows XP Home Edition (32 bit).

I'm not a "computer hobbyist," far from it. I use my machine mainly for browsing, word processing, and business (QuickBooks and Turbo Tax). It is a tool. I don't really enjoy fiddling around with computers. My current machine is now barely able to support a good research session on the 'Net anymore, the little processor seemingly gagging on the heavy flash content you see everywhere nowadays, the 2GB (the most she'll take) of RAM easily filled.

I'm planning some rough travel international motorcycle trips (see my motorcycle build thread here (don't worry about registering on this motorcycle forum.....they are good folks and I've never gotten any spam from them) and purchased, a while back, an Asus eee PC 901 with the OEM Xandros (a bastardized offshoot of Etch) loaded to use with those trips. From learning that OS, I saw for myself the benefits of Linux (vs. Windows). Of all the distros, Debian is the most attractive to me (even though I'm currently rocking Puppeee (new version) on the 901.....it makes that little machine zoooooom!) as I really like the package management system, the logic, and the stability. I also like the feeling of personal responsibility that comes with Debian.

So, back to the build. I'm currently planning on it being a pure Debian machine. I'm ready to move on from Windows, for reasons I don't have to explain here. I stated that I don't particularly care to "play" with computers, but I'm willing to put in some front end labor in order to enjoy a long-term, low-maintenance relationship with my new machine. With that philosophy in mind, I'm looking to build a machine that will serve my simple needs for ten years(!) So, since the costs will be spread out so far, I'm ready to drop some serious (for me) coin on this project in order to avoid having to go through what is, for me, a rather painful process of research again any time soon.