"Any suggestions on editing systems?"
Do you mean computers, or NLE Software? Now there are 'turnkey' solutions where you can buy a desktop/laptop already outfitted with a specific NLE setup, but those get pricey. So since you most likely can't afford both, you'll have to decide between a laptop or a desktop. In my experience, for editing with a pre-built desktop or a laptop your choices are: HP, Mac, Dell, and Toshiba. ASUS does make laptops capable of editing with but I have no experience with them so I can't say anything for certain. I do know they make some 'poop-hot' motherboards so they can't be too bad. I haven't seen much from people complaining about them, but I don't know anyone who edits with one.
You can find a good PC desk or laptop and I do believe a low-end Mac laptop for under $1300. Don't forget though, if you're not going the consumer NLE route, that's going to be up to another $1300 if you go all the way up to Creative Suite Premium. Remember, for basic NLE editing you will need a photo/graphics editor and if you want to create your own motion graphics a Mographics editor as well. Not to mention a word processing program (MS Office 10 goes for around $200 at the academic price.)
Since DV is nearly phased out, any computer you get will need to have the minimum requirements to run the basic HD formats (HDV, AVCHD, etc.) without you growing a beard waiting for them to render anything. When you're researching your software, check what the minimum requirements are to run the software and HD video. Whatever computer you look at has to have at least the minimum requirements or it will be an interesting paperweight that you can't edit HD on.
Off hand you'll need a dual-core Intel or AMD chip or faster, with at least 4GB of RAM (so your system can function while you're editing) or more. You'll need a Graphics Card (video card) with 512MB of RAM or better so playback will be smooth and a hard drive of at least 250 GB or more so you'll have space to work with and put programs on. Don't forget you're going to need an extra drive (internal or external) 300 GB or larger to store your video and audio clips on. You do not want to do everything on your main drive!
If you get a desktop you'll need a monitor. For editing and graphics work unfortunately, 'bigger is better'. However, your wallet/purse is probably not hearing that so a flat panel LCD monitor 19" - 22" inches aught to be enough to get you started. I guarantee though you'll be wanting a second similar or all together larger monitor before long! A good keyboard particularly something ergonomic or at least 'editor friendly' will save your hands and wrists during long editing sessions.
With a laptop you won't need as much extra gear, but the external drive is non-negotiable. For editing on a laptop, again bigger is better. However, you can get by with a 15" screen don't get anything smaller, you won't be able to see what you're doing! Make sure on either type of system you have a firewire and or eSATA connections (USB 2.0 comes with most systems but they suck for editing!) You'll need a firewire plug to connect most cameras if you aren't using Flash Media Cards to download footage and images. You'll also need them to connect your external drive via firewire or eSATA. USB 3.0 is coming out, but right now the other two types of plugs are everywhere and if you need a quick hook-up to a piece of gear, more folks will have a firewire cable in their kit than not.
Anyway, there's some stuff for you to think about. Whether you decide on a PC or a Mac, there's plenty of members around who can point you in the right direction. Primarily, do your gear and software research thoroughly! Research is free. Don't go gettin' all emotional about 'how cool' a piece of software or gear is and blow your budget. Right now, you're just trying to get started with enough gear to cover the basics.
Tips and Suggestions
