Pardon. This thread is waiting for me to do more research.
For now, I can tell you this: I'd love to build from scratch, but, like Russkies like to say, my hands grow out of my ass. I've never put together a piece of electronics and I'm not going to practice on some expensive hardware. On top of that, I've heard there are compatibility issues with hardware, and there are different cooling systems about which I only have a vague idea, etc. Also, design applications take up a load of resources, especially if the files are over 20 mbs. I don't need a laptop, I need a desktop PC.
Another point: Mac G5 is not outdated. They had Mac G4, G5, iMac (for kids), and this baby:
http://www.apple.com/macpro/ , which is still a G5 but very very buff and drool-inducing, priced over $13,000. I know I'd be satisfied with something less powerful than Mac Pro, but I don't know how to factor in the fact that Windows does everything through the anus.
I will not be getting Vista, that's for sure. I have Win XP.
P.S. Through all of my adventures with PeeCees, Stryder has been most patient and helpful and I would not have survived without him.