The Ultimate Workstation

I don't post here very often anymore. In fact, I have probably not
posted but a handfull of times in the last year or more since starting
my new job. But, I plan to start visiting and posting regularly again
very soon. My SW expertise level used to grow rapidly when I
participated in this group. But since I have been on a "leave of
absense", I feel like I have become stale.

But for right now, I need some advise. I have been put into an
unusual position to provide input for picking out and spec'ing
workstations for our entire engineering dept.

Before moving to my present company over a year ago, I always worked
in very small companies, no more than 2 designers/engineers. I would
spec workstations there trying to get the best bang for the buck of-
coarse. I would spec very, very fast custom built computers for
$1500-2000 (box only) about every 2 years.

Here, the budget is pretty wide open. I'd say somewhere in $5000-5500
range per station would not be unreasonable for new complete systems
(monitor, keyboard, etc.). But I would still like to get the most I
can get for the money, because they will probably have to last 3-5
years. However, it can not be a custom built computer this time (the
boss said "think big business"). And, they will be maintained by our
IS dept.

If anybody has any input on what you think would be the ultimate
system in that price range, I would appreciate hearing it.

To give you a little needed info:
*We create anywhere from simple, to fairly complex swoopy models and
drawing.
*We create anywhere from simple, to fairly large assemblies as well.
*We use extruded text and helixes reqularly (a real system killer).
*We use Real-View sometimes.
*We would liek to do Photoworks, but have been unable to due to our
old systems.
*We typically keep Lotus Notes (email) and our PDM system running at
all times, along with SW. We usually use other programs off and on
throughout the day as well.

We were thinking of an IBM Intellistation custom configured. But I am
open to ALL opinions...

Thanks,
Seth Renigar

See ya at SWW2008