So how did Philippe Bouyer do it?  Folks at e-on software said that he only does the rendering at home on 3 not-so fast computers - If I could get renders like his I would be pleased - did it take him days to render these do you think?

OK - if I have an apple G5 and a network of 10 pcs all with render cows at work, what is a reasonable time for rendering such things as Philippe has?

ps - thanks for your help