iMac + Final Cut Pro for an independent movie.

[digitalnicotine]

I also concur with getting the Mac Pro. I strongly suspect these films will not be your last, and the MP allows for upgrading, will improve the speed of your workflow, and eliminate the need to purchase external drives initially (you can get internals cheaply).

Also take into consideration the fact that you will eventually be creating HD disks? You can indeed put a blu-ray burner in a MP with an adapter ($10) (we have them at work). The prices are steadily declining, too.

Have you considered eBay? Are there any Mom and Pop Apple authorized retailers locally that may sell used/refurbs? Craigslist or even local paper want ads may also be a good place to post a WTB, as some may have purchased and realized it was overkill for their uses, or have buyers remorse when the credit card bill comes due.

Good luck to you.

 

[zync]

This issue can be solved:
http://www.photodon.com/lcdprotect-sheet.htm

From their site:
Thus the anti-glare films are not recommended for color critical applications.

Granted this could probably be fixed with a monitor calibrator, but it seems to be a less than elegant solution.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Since you want to do all the post "in house" you'll need a way to accurately monitor what you are editing. The cheapest way to get very good quality monitoring on a budget is by getting a Matrox MXO and a 23" Apple Cinema Display. The combo is about $1900 USD although you can save some money if you can find the 23" ACD refurbished.


Lethal

EDIT. The MXO isn't compatible w/all models and the Matrox list of approved devices is a bit shoddy so you probably want to contact them directly to if the Mac you want isn't on their list.