Hey Michael_N! My apologies for the trouble - could you list your system specifications for me, and exactly what you were doing up to the point of that error? Is it reproducible?
I use Blender, any keybord without separate numpad would be useless for me as a "work" system. But the Lappy 386 is nice for ripping C64 floppies to PC stiffies.
holy crap! this stuff is awesome! what subdivision level are u using (how many polies on that last one? and what system are u using to hold it all up??)
You know that you can have a custom-built machine assembled for you, and get just the parts you want, right? maybe http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Gamer_Infinity_8800_Pro_SE/
From here http://www.unrealtechnology.com/html/technology/ue30.shtml "Skeletal animation system supporting up to 4 bone influences per vertex and very complex skeletons"