[Leica] What Desktop Computer to Buy These Days?

[rbaron at concentric.net (Robert D. Baron)]

My trusty Dell P4 1.7 ghz with 1 gb of ram turned 5 years old this 
month, and like me, it is starting to have trouble keeping up with the 
younger generation....so I would like to ask for the wisdom of the LUG 
regarding a replacement.

Aside from surfing the internet and a little word processing and Quicken 
   financial and such, my main need is for a machine that will quickly 
operate the very latest versions of photoshop and lightroom and their 
various third-party plugins and maybe an image cataloging program if I 
can settle on one I like.

I am not a gamer and although I might watch a movie on it I don't see 
myself doing much video editing.

I see three routes:

1. A new Dell;

2. A new local shop built; or

3. A new Mac Pro.

It would be easier for me to stick with Windows XP Pro because I know 
it, but I bought a G4 Powerbook to learn on last year and in light of 
the new intel chip Macs that allow the running of some windows programs 
  I am not totally Mac averse.

A little while back people were speaking poorly of Dell quality.  Has 
that changed?

Obviously the key elements I need to consider are which processor and 
which video card; I know to load up on ram.

With those questions, and with a projected budget as far below $3,000 US 
as I can stay, what is the current wisdom? What specifications do I need?

Many thanks for your help.

--Bob Baron / Oklahoma City