OK peeps. I'm a bit of a computer retard so I need some help.

Here's what I need and I want you guys to tell me what I should get.

My requirements:

I want a laptop or computer to record my music which aside from music I will only use to look on the internet.
I need software to record.
I'm not looking to release these recordings.
I can't play drums so I need some good sampled drum beats.
I'm happy to pay up to around £1200 (inclusive of sound cards and software) if that is what I need to spend BUT by the same token I want value for money e.g. paying an extra £200 to make the computer slightly faster yet unnoticable seems to me to be a waste of money
I need to know would it be better to get a PC or a Mac?
Which is better, Logic or Cubase?
I would prefer to get a laptop to utilise the sounds when rehearsing but will a laptop be fast enough?

Your thoughts/experiences would be really appreciated