looks like we're both in the same boat .... i'm in the process of doing the same hardware investigations lol ... i've done some tech assistance questions and basically get the same answers lol ... wish i had access to the budget the must have had to do "final fantasy" ... maybe now that their done with the equipment they'll let us have it... if ya find any good links to a reasonable hardware config n set up please post ... i'll do the same GOOD LUCK