Something has to give

Windows XP is intolerable. I've got to move to Linux or a hackintosh (Win7 isn't an option, unfortunately). XP performs terribly under a heavy load, ESPECIALLY under a heavy disk access load. Combine that with lots of page faults from the 3G RAM limitation and a lot of RAM intensive programs needed to do the job and you get mouse movements taking 30 seconds to register, or worse.

I feel like a Samurai with an old, chipped, rusty blade.

Hacker Hagakure

I'm getting increasingly picky about my primary work computer; I'm starting to treat it in the same way a Samurai treats his sword, or a sniper treats his rifle.

The proper relationship between a hacker and the IT department is the same as a Master Samurai and his sword-smith.