Thanks for all the info on the forum
I was after a machine that could go out a couple of years assoftware evolved. Still need to check with dell to see if thesesystems come together; for what its worth my short list:

1 - straight SW unit
Platform: Dell Precision T3400
Processor: Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16 GHz (good speed for dollar)
Memory: 4Gb Ram
Graphics: Nvidia FX1700 (believe better for driving multiplewindows over FX570)
Operating System: Vista #64 bit (future proof and seems solid now)
Hard Drive: 80Gb SATA 10k RPM for System; 250Gb SATA 7.5k RPM forData

2 - hedging, i.e. multicore use will increase via software evolvingand I'll expand from just SW into FEA and Surfacing.
Platform: Dell Precision T3400
Processor: Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.83GHz (good speed for dollar)
Memory: 4Gb Ram
Graphics: Nvidia FX1700 (believe better for driving multiplewindows over FX570)
Operating System: Vista #64 bit (future proof and seems solid now)
Hard Drive: 80Gb SATA 10k RPM for System; 250Gb SATA 7.5k RPM forData

Welcome comments that might straighten out any kinks in logic. Gota budget but still after rock solid performance.

SolidworksAdministration