Our office has been working on Macs for years.
Macs have always been good computers, and are getting better and better each round.
I am not a Mac "fanatic", and have used Windows machines. For our office, the advantage in using Apple has been financial. They are much cheaper to operate. For example, we have 30 machines networked. Some are using the newest operating systems while others are plugging away just fine on system 9.2 machines vintage 1999. We buy a new machine, plug it in and automatically we are all connected. One of our file servers is still on OS 8.5 and works fine. We have had to bring out an IT consultant about 6 times in the past 8 years. The issues were ususally wiring, routers and back up scripts - rarely involving actual Mac problems. Couple that with the lack of virus and file corruption problems, and the advantage is even more clear. Most companies of our size have IT consultant show up regularly at $100.00 or more per hour. Try to have thirty windows machines networked using different vintage operating systems at the same time. It won't work. Upgrade one machine and you end up having to buy all new computers for everyone else.
My friend had his PC network hijacked by some spam artist and it cost him $30,000.00 and a week of downtime to clean up his computers. Not to mention the problem with all his clients that received "viagra" and other porno spam from his e-mail accounts.
For home use, Mac are fantastic machines. I like to buy the latest and greatest for sheer fun; and the Mac platform really delivers in that regard. I rotate my machines to the office when a new model is released. I suppose for those that like to build their own computers from component parts, the P.C. would be the way to go. For me, the combiniation of design, simplicity and great software (especially on the newest machines) makes the decision easy. Keep in mind that for gaming, the PC is probably faster, but if you are really into games, buy a console system and try the Macintosh.
Also, Tiger, soon to release Leopard, is a mature solid operating system that is getting better each version. The integration of all the Mac programs makes the computer really enjoyable to use.
Vista has just come out, so for that reason alone, the Mac would be a good choice. Do you really want to beta test a new operating system? Also, you can run MS on the new Macs in case you later decide you really wanted a PC. machine.
Have fun with your new computer, whatever you decide.
