Help an idiot build a computer

Hey guys, looking to upgrade from my current PC to something a little speedier. Currently have a pentium d 820, 2gb ram. I don't really follow computer hardware much so I really need you guys to tell me what is fast, cheap, and works well. I have put a few together before so I am not going to be completly lost.

I'm hoping to spend around $700-850, but could stretch the budget to $1000 if need be. (Please take into account I'm from Ontario, Canada so everything is more expensive up here, any recommendations as to where specific components can be gottem the cheapest up here is apprecated as well.)

What I want/need...

I don't game pretty much at all (not on Pc-more of an xbox person) (solitare and minesweeper not included) but I am in college and multitask like crazy. (i.e. I research, watch/stream movies, burn cds, listen to itunes, download etc. all at the same time.)

That being said my current PC has an 8800gt in it that while may be ancient tech to most of you guy serves my needs pretty well and could/will be used in the new rig.

I need this desktop to get me through the next 3 years with minimal upgrades as I am headed to law school in the fall.

Processor: quad core of some sort. Amd X4 and X6 especially seem tempting at the price. But am open to i5 or i7 as well, as long as I can stay in the budget. (Note: I do know what overclocking is and how it works but have absolutly zero interest in doing it, so saying buy X and get it to a zillion ghz on air does nothing for me)

Ram: at least 4gb, preferrabily 6 gb of ddr3 (Which speed is the current price int? 1600?)

Hdd: This is a deal breaker for me. I need at least 1.5TB, but the more the merrier. Maybe a 1tb sata 3 primary for speed and a 1tb sata2 secondary?) Maybe a single 1.5tb primary?

Power supply: Don't care really as long as suffiencent for my needs, maybe a 500w or better for possible upgradeability) Also, no cheap case/psu combo's as I've had horrible luck with these no-name power supply deals.

Mobo: Again, don't really care but I've always had great experiences with asus. At least 6 usb ports! (Would be awesome if it could have sata3, usb3, esata) Doesn't need to have onboard graphics but if it does an hdmi port would be cool)

Case: This is going to sound silly but I would prefer either a really small (like lanbox sized if these would stay cool with an 8800 and quad) or a full tower case. Reasons: A really small case would be my first choice as it will fit on top of my desk in residence, is really moveable, and takes up no space.) If a small case won't work/ too expenisive whatever then if I have to be burdened(find room for) a mid size case I would rather have the extra bit of room to work with a full-size. Hopefully the case will allow for some cable organization and look kinda cool. (If full size, some ports or a card reader on the top/front would be nice, obviously not in a mini)

Dvd burner: Don't need reccomendations but take about $30 out of the budget

Wireless: These desktop needs either a mobo with built in wireless or a pci wireless card. Recommendations on a reasonably priced one that has good range etc. would be awesome.

Reccomend cooling if you specify a processor that doesn't come with a fan, and a fan or 2, 3 whatever for the case if needed. (Some heatpaste as well) (Would be amazingly awesome if this coomputer could be somewhat quiet, not whisper quiet obviosly, but not like a vacuum is on in the room, as it will be right beside my bed, is left on 24/7, and loud computers piss off girls sleeping over : )
Will run windows 7 pro that I get for free from school (With payment of tuition!)

Thanks guys,
Chris