NT5 member server on an NT4 network

We are planning to deploy an intranet and had considered bringing in a Windows 2000 server as the host. We have no immediate plans to upgrade from NT 4.0, but thought it might be a good idea to begin getting acquainted with the new OS, on a member server only. A Dell rep recently advised against that as Active Directory Services can wreak havoc among the NT4 domain controllers(even configured as a member server?)I would appreciate any feedback or experience anyone has had with this.