It's actually a tool and an entertainment center all wrapped in one for me.
Think about it...I watch movies, listen to music, have the ability to watch TV shows, look at and save pics, play games...communicate with friends and family...I can even 'see' friends and family if so desired.
The 'tool' part of it is that I do my taxes, keep my medical info (appts., medications, docs) all in nice Excel worksheets, write letters, keep recipes, go shopping, keep my budget, print labels, pay bills, and many, many other functions that needs to be organized.
My PCs are an essential part of my life.