How could i render an object at a specific x y position on my screen?

Use an orthographic projection matrix. Try Google or Gamedev''s search for more information.

But would switching between orto and perspective per rendering degrade my performance?

[edited by - slashandburn on April 24, 2002 12:25:11 AM]

[edited by - slashandburn on April 24, 2002 12:25:42 AM]

of course the switch takes time, but its insignificat to everything else going on.