I have a customer that wants a desktop to use primarily for video editing and production. What are your thoughts on an Apple vs an AMD 64 based one?

Is money an issue? The Mac will cost more. Is the software he wants to use available for PC?

I have a budget of $2500. The customer has no idea what software he wants, he is a beginner who wants to tape in dv and 8 and make dvd's to send to customers. I have looked at the G5 and it is pricey. I know Adobe makes a pretty good video production/editing product. I guess I could price a dual, 1gddr. I am not an expert in Apple, by no means.

I have a budget of $2500. The customer has no idea what software he wants, he is a beginner who wants to tape in dv and 8 and make dvd's to send to customers. I have looked at the G5 and it is pricey. I know Adobe makes a pretty good video production/editing product. I guess I could price a dual, 1gddr. I am not an expert in Apple, by no means.

For that sort of price you could get an exceptionally powerful AMD64 setup with DVD burners et al.
Plus, as a beginner user they would likely find the interface easier to master.

There are lots of video editing packages out here for windows as well.

I guess I could price a dual, 1gddr. I am not an expert in Apple, by no means.
If you are in any way going to be offering support to this person I think you just answered your question.

:D

Ain't that the truth!! :D . I think I will shoot for a Shuttle SN95G5v3 Socket 939/AMD 64x2 3000, 2G ddr and other obvious add ons. That sound OK?

Conventional wisdom says that the software drives the hardware. Before you start looking for hardware you should be looking for software. Search for reviews on video editing software. Find what is considered the best. Have the customer try out some of the software to see if they like it and it does the job for them. THEN you can decide on the hardware.

Ain't that the truth!!!! :D . I think I will shoot for a Shuttle SN95G5v3 Socket 939/AMD 64x2 3000, 2G ddr and other obvious add ons. That sound OK?
Sounds good. I'd love to have 2GB DDR!

Add multiple SATA drives, a good video card that does very speedy 2D and 3D, DVD burner of course.

Thanks! I appreciate the quick response.