CompuServe Thread

Hi, I am a newcomer to 3d Studio. I am using a P-90 w\ 1gig disk, 32 meg ram, Diamond Stealth 64, 17" monitor and Windows for Workgroups. I have a student version of 3ds-2 which came on a cd w\ acad-12. The text book that was included only briefly touched on 3ds. I think that this is really cool and want to learn how to use it. My initial goal is to produce architecual renderings and walk throughs. I have been following the discussions in this forum regarding 3ds max and am left looking for any advice on the following. Can 3ds-2 produce renderings of the same quality as 3ds-4 ? I can purchase the full set of tutorials and manuals from a-desk for 3ds-2 for $195 or buy 3ds-4 for its list price. I am hesitant to spend the $ on 3ds-4 with max on the way. On the other hand I am afraid that hardware upgrades and Windows NT might break my budget if I wait for 3ds-max. I'm also concerned that configuring and learning the new system requirements might break my head <G>. I would like to move forward as soon as possable and want to maximize my learning time, not learn 3ds-2 if 3ds-4 or max are capable of significantly superior output. I want to offer the best product I can and am willing to spend the money and time needed to achive this but would like to get the most bang for my buck. I am also planning to get adobe photoshop, based on recommendations, and a scanner to use for backgrounds and some materials. Any advice on what features a scanner should have or specific models that are good would be very helpful. Any help with these issues is much appreciated. TIA mark