Just a couple notes on the whole PC vs. Mac thing. I think Eric hit it pretty much on par, with Carrara, you won't see to much of a difference in similarly configured computers. I use both PC's and Macs on a day to day basis. I have a P4 2.5 GHz with Nvidia 4 128MB Video Card, a Pentium 4 1.8 server and a Dual 1.8 G5 with 1GB ram. I will say that Carrara seems faster on my Mac, but hey it is a bit more powerful. ;-) Other things to consider are your software investments. With Carrara, you get both Windows and Mac versions, so no big there. But other apps like Macromedia (pre MX 2004), Adobe, Microsoft, and others, you will have to re-purchase these, which, can be very expensive. Macromedia, will not even give you an upgrade to a PC version from a Mac or visa-versa, you have to buy the full version. I think it is the same with Adobe. Another plus for Mac owners, is that Macs are worth more used, as they hold their value longer. As an example, before I bought my G5 ($2499) I first sold my old G4 (A Humble Dual-450, circa 2000 or 2001). I didn't think I would be able to get much for it, but was surprised to learn that they were going for $600+ dollars. I ended up selling my G4 only, for $950, making the G5 very attainable. I then just bought the new G5, used my existing peripherals, and display and am shocked at the difference in speed. I realize I am going on, but another factor is the system itself. Some people are more comfortable using Windows or Mac OS. I did OSX for it's UNIX underpinnings, and tweak-ability. But I also like some of the nice touches that Windows XP has. Bottom line is you can definitely build a PC for cheaper then a shiny new Mac, I build them for people regularly, but there is something to be said for the details and polish of a new Mac, Apple is unmatched in presentation and "Trim and Finish". Regards, Paul