If you would like an informed opinion, my background is in Computer Science and I would be happy to help. Check out my signature and you will see what I am using to design on, it's a Mac Pro all the way. I do NOT debate Windows/Mac as simply I come at it from a science background and use the platform that is the best out there and right now that is the Mac Pro for a number of reasons.

To state what was said above, the Mac Pro will also allow you to run NATIVE Windows OS (i.e. Vista, Windows 7) or even Linux on it since they have moved to an Intel platform some time back. Also, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for and that is certainly the case with Apple. The fit and finish of the Mac Pro are second to none. You do pay more for the hardware, but you can cut back if you know how when ordering. If you go that route, get the stock hard drive and memory and upgrade when you get it. I do recommend HIGHLY though Crucial memory, OWC is OK if you want even cheaper but I stay with Crucial.

Another reason you see somewhat limited hardware specs compared to building a Windows machine is because the Mac OS is designed to run like a fine tuned Ferrari with their hardware. It is certainly one of the most stable and reliable platforms I have used. Also, just look at all the professionals using Macs now and everyone I know that has any computer background has made the switch for many reasons. As I point out, you can run just about any OS you want as well so there really is no reason. Superior support with Apple Care is a plus too and highly recommended as well.

You want to load up on RAM, I would say at least 8-16GB. Yes, Vue does not YET take advantage of 64bit OS and all the extra RAM, however it may in Vue 8 when released. Also, a lot of other 3D software will such as C4D and Modo.

Best of luck and happy shopping.

Jeff

Development on: Mac Pro 2008, Duel-Boot OS - Snow Leopard 10.6.6 & Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit, 2 x 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon , 10GB 800 MHz DDR2 RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT.