So, I am a Mac user. Previously an art director, I was practically raised on a Mac. I can't imagine buying a pc, but if I have to I will. I am an interior design student and realize the merit in actually owning and operating an Auto CAD program. I have two questions, maybe more, anyway, here they are. 1: Which program should I buy? I can get an LT version for less than $500 and it's unlimited usage, not a student version that expires in 13 months. Or I can get the student version for less than $200 but am screwed in 13 months. Unless I don't like working in CAD in which case I saved money on something I'll never use again after this course I'm taking. Advice? And 2: I need to upgrade my computer no matter what. My Mac is a G4 and I need an Intel processor. Do I buy a new Mac mini for like $600 or $800 but it's still only 2 GHZ processor and it recommends (requires?) 2.2. Or do I have to spend mucho dinero and get that 2.2 GHZ processor. In which case, do I shell out the big bucks for another Mac or a PC ( I think the Mac would end up being more expensive, but I would not longer have to buy Parallels). Of course I would still want to keep my old Mac as I have tons of graphics software that I use regularly, plus I just love Mac.

Please please please offer any and all guidance. It's too expensive a decision to be making mistakes on. Thanks!