(also offtopic)
Well, I'm working with max since 8 Years... but Aqua is one of the best designed user interfaces I've ever seen. And not mention the new system architecture! It rocks!
Well, If you use a PC you are in the funny position to update your machine at "low cost" in comparision to an apple.
So think about to get a new CPU ... for example a cheap 1700 or 1800 Tbred DLT3C for about 70Euros! which is able to run at min. 2200mhz (cold enough @ 1,6vcore)
.
Maybe you need a new Motherboard, but also here you can by cheap models ... and if you still need more RAM, dont spend money in those who fit into your Athlon 950 Board. Then the best way is to buy a double set of TwinMos PC400 (80 Euros) and a Nforce2 Mainboard (90 Euros) like the Abit NF7s.
70+80+90= 240 Euros (ca. 240 Dollars) to get a real performance advantage.
Im saying this that PC in comparision to MAC is very cheap to update ... ok it looks less cool refered to its design, and it won't reach the performance of the new models ... but .... you can still use TMPGenc and its options
I do love!! MAC and I work with both (at business and privately).
So in my case I cured the TMPGEnc Speed-Problem by spending 280 Euros, and now it rocks
... shurely faster than my G4 MAC.