Jason got you the stuff for V-Carve.
Hold off on the PhotoVcarve. We can talk more on PM about that but for now - you don't need to spend any money there - YET.
Now - on the V-Carve Pro. There are only a few features that Pro has over Desktop - look at the comparison chart and make sure it is what you want
This is a comprehensive comparison chart.
http://www.vectric.com/media/docs/products/compare/Cut2D-VCarve-Aspire-Compare.pdf
As to the computer minimum requirements.
V-Carve Pro can now work with 3D reliefs. It cannot "create" anything in 3D.
You can import (1) STL and several Vector Art 3D models. The limitation there is that only one import from other than Vectric supplied models. I don't have V-Carve pro any longer and never had the ability to import 3D reliefs in the versions I had. I am a bit unclear on the limitations.
You can do some 3D relief modifying.
All in all it is a very powerful package. There is a LOT that you CAN do with it.
NOW - to the computer - BECAUSE it IS a lot of graphics - it does take a fair amount of power. It is not as hungry as Solidworks - but then again it is not a full 3D graphics software like Solidworks is. Even so - it DOES benefit from a 64 bit computer.
I am SURE - your Apple will have enough power.
I have no idea about running on Apple. The folks at Vectric are pretty smart and I don't think they would miss the market. I sent the question off the Vectric anyway - I will let you know what their response is. Probable get an answer on Monday - But I would not be surprised to get an answer sooner, as they are monitoring the support lines all the time. They are just amazing folk there in the UK.
The quietest spindles are going to be the water cooled spindles. I don't have any sources of information on comparison. I have seen youtube videos of side by side comparisons - but - I am not yet convinced. I guess the jury is still out on that one. Mine is a 2hp Perske German spindle - air cooled - NOT quiet. Compared to a hand held - I don't think there is much difference in the noise level. It is possible even louder because it has a bigger fan. I think - you will have noise no matter what you do - it's just the nature of the beast. You could fully enclose and sound proof the entire machine.
Mach3 is great.
Remember I use Fanuc and all sorts of industrial controller at work and have seen, and used TONS of machines and controls. Siemens, Yasnac, Fanuc, Haas, Mitsubishi, Heidenhein, Studer, Okamoto, Mazak, Chevilier, Brother, Cobra, Kellenburger, Okuma, CR Onsrud, MaxNC, Larken and Mach3. I have been around!!
Mach3 is Great, not better than the industrial ones, but cheaper - and very operational. I like it to the point where I will be requesting in on a new machine if I go Chinese.