Thanks for the help guys. However you did not exactly answer my questions but I did find them else where but thanks for the attempt, now i will attempt to clarify some stuff aswell.
Quadro is the name of the CAD/CAM chip that nVidia uses. Its actaully a GeForce with some extra extensions. You can turn your GeForce into a Quadro thru software or by doing some stuff to the board its self. The software mode is identical to the hardware in every respect(incl speed) except the OS does not recognize it as a Quadro.
ther is no such thing as a GeForce 3 MX for the PC but there is a GeForce 3, GeForce 3 Ti200, and GeForce 3 Ti500. You can find them at most online retailers for $300-$400. Also 3dsmax does not run on the Macs.
Real-Time rendering can be done with any graphics card it just depends on what is being rendered. The GeForce Quadro DCC+ can render in 3dsmax real-time(30fps) or close to.
As for RAM you are mostly correct. The more ram you have is better but past 512MB you run into the problem of Errors in memory like switched bits. This can lead to a loss in system stabilty.
Dual processing(SMP) is good, and 3dsmax can use it. However you cannot combine 2 cpus of different speeds. Unless perhaps you have some very weird motherboard.
I have heard of the Labtec(parent company) "Space Ball" its pretty darn cool. Although for CAD/CAM i would actaully recoomend a Wacom(
www.wacom.com) with the 4D mouse. Just my preference.
I know this is kinda technical so if you would like me to explain is further contact me on either AIM(GX NaiLZ) or ICQ (47390655)
-Neil Tong
Team 751