Awww the good ol days. I started off on a webtv back when it first came out. It was an inexpensive way to get email access for the games i was taking part in. I still have it to this day, although it just sits in a box. I need to get rid of it. Somehow though, i have always missed those days. Things were much simpler then, and the net was new. I learned a lot on that webtv plus that i had.
Take the leap! Get a pc and open up to a new world of possibilities. You won't regret it. As for what's simple to use, i really can't say. My first pc was a piece of garbage and no where near "easy" to use... but it was fundamental in getting me where i'm at now.