Need Help, New To This!, total beginner here... Options

[bree]

Hi all,
I have been checking out macmusic.org for about a month or so and i have finally decided to post. I am on a PC currently, looking to switch to the Mac. I am not any kind of professional audio recorder in any way, actually I have no experience. I am planning to attend college next year and major in audio production. However, I want to get a head start on this because it is all i think about doing all day!! My goals are to be a producer of hip-hop, soul, house and pop. I was looking at a new G5 dual 1.8 with 2GHz ram and 160GB HD. I'm pretty sure by looking at many other posts here that this setup is more than enough for what I'll be doing. However, I have no idea what else I will need to get and what the cost is and where i can get it. Again, i'm interested in producing hip-hop, soul, house, and pop, and I would be doing it from home. Basically, making beats would be the biggest chunk of my work. I am lost as to what synth to get, or Pro Tools vs Logic vs etc... and help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bree