Dave thanks for all the input.
unfortunately i don’t think my company will spring for a high-end PC. This is really just a software purchase so I have to make do with the little desktop Dell and 17inch monitor if I go with AE for Windows. The IT group takes care of all firewall, virus protection, etc.
So I guess the question is, is it still better to go with AE for Windows using a standard Dell computer with not much power/ram because of compatibility with rest of company, or get the Mac version because it will go on a G5, large monitor and lots of ram.