Just got my latest copy of PC Mall and Mac Mall. My problem with buying a Mac too is that often the software isn't dual purposed and then you are out the price of software also. And.. I can buy almost 2 PCs for the cost of a comparable Mac. I build my own systems and have a dual 1GHz Celeron system (yes they are dual processorable) that clocks out almost but not quite as fast as the dual G3 (about 4% lower on 3D benchmarks). I built the whole system with 1GB of Ram, Dual Monitor Matrox G450, 100GB of 7200 IDE HDD for <$800 US. It's a monster. They won't let you build a MAC. James LW goes on sale all the time. I got my copy of 6.5 for $495 still steep but it wasn't the $2500 list. I got mine as a competitive upgrade because I owned AfterEffects. They sell legit copies all the time with the dongel on ebay.