I'd get a boot drive (40-80G HD for your OS and recording software) before worrying about more RAM.
He means to get another separate hard drive. So you have one for your OS and software and another for your recording files. He is suggesting that you will benefit more from this than adding more RAM.
If you are thinking about getting the most powerful machine for the price, you should go PC. Mac has nice features too, but limited in what you can get for it and what you can expand (or improve) later.
IMO, here are the factors you should look for (with regards to recording, under your budget):
- At least 2 GHZ processor, duo core if possible.
- At least 2 gigs of ram, dual channel
- Enough firewire ports, USB ports and PCI slots for your equipment (and future equipment.)
- At least 2 hard drives. one 7200 RPM hard drive (or two, but the other will just be for running windows, etc.) The 7200 you probably want like a 300 GB or more hard drive, if you will be recording at 24/96, since this takes up a lot of disk space. The one for windows doesn't have to be that great.
if you buy the hottest new processor and mobo, which coincidentaly have known stability proble
Take this advice. Don't buy top of the line, as it will have stability problems. Buy what was hot 6 months ago
Everyone will have their preference on what company to buy what from, but that will be up for debate. If you stick with major brands, you should be fine. Just don't buy seagate hard drives.
Don't worry about video cards, just get a cheap one, unless you plan to do graphics or gaming.
Although if you want something set out the box that will be easier to use, you can go with Mac. But you pay for that ease of use, monetarily and for future upgrading. And on options of programs.