My first post Paul so I hope this is the correct way to do it.

http://www.mysolidbox.com/

If you do not want to build a computer yourself this link is a US company
that uses Dell products and sets them up specific for Solidworks. They use
64bit Windows7 but they remove all unnecessary junk, use up to date drives,
workstation graphics, etc. The net result is a tested configuration at
cheaper than Dell prices. I assume if they work well with solidworks they
will work well with most cad. I wish we had this service in Australia.
I have looked at most of the cad products mentioned. Rhino and Alibre are
great for the price but if you are younger or still building a career, one
consideration is that skill with a programs like Inventor, Solidworks or Pro
Engineer can take you places, get you that promotion, maybe lead to a
completely different way of making a buck. They will all take time to lean,
which is the really expensive part. Some have the potential to help you in
more ways than just the project you have in mind, right this minute.

Ideal computer: Powerful desktop plus mobile computer capable of
communicating with desktop via net. Meaning that you can use the power of
the desktop on the laptop/notebook, just depends on how good your eyesight
is.

Cad software prices are nearly twice the price here in Australia even with a
relatively competitive dollar over the last 12mths or so. I think it has
something to do with us being the first to take the Americas Cup out of the
US. Perhaps if you win it back cad prices may drop here.

Steve form AU