Questioning Machine,
I recently returned three Vista SP1 laptops because Vista sucked so bad. It was slow, would not run applications that ran on XP and would not run any of my devices for starters. I needed a computer that could definitely work right out of the box and ended up purchasing a MacBook Pro. Before then, I never considered purchasing a Mac and now I absolutely cannot see myself going back to a PC.
If you compare the hardware, you will see that the Mac use high grade hardware than PC and generally cost the same. If you price out hardware like for like, you will find no difference. What I've experienced is the difference between the two is the way they are put together. When a Mac is put together, the do it with one set of hardware they selected and Apple tests and tests them with their OS to eliminate the bugs before you buy it. They have tested all the drivers and platforms and also integrated the software to work well with all the components.
As an example, I am a lifetime Microsoft OS user and using Bootcamp was able to load XP onto my Mac so I could run all my old Apps. XP runs and Vista actually run faster and better on a Mac because Macs hardware was selected because they work best together. With PCs the components are all put in without the manufacturer considering and testing how they work together. It means all those drivers must all perfecting hit the platform and all do it in a way the will not conflict with one another. With so many different hardware configurations, it is so much more difficult for an operating system to achieve. That has been the problem with vista.
Leopard is definitely an easier to use OS. It contains $200 worth of software Vista does not have. There are no worries about Viruses. Because the OS system is 64 bit, Leopard can utilize 4GB RAM while running 32 bit software applications while Vista max is only 3GB because on its 32 Bit OS can run 32bit software applications
For a Mac, Safari is better than IE7, Quicktime and Quicktime Pro are used by industry professional and is much better than Windows media player. For a Mac, you have literally the oxford dictionary at your finger tips, everything is simple to use and made to be integrated with each other. On Vista, moving in and out of applications take a 5 steps, but with a Mac-Only max. If want a computer that you only need to websurf, chat, run word docs, play DVDs, Skype than a PC is all you may need, but if you want to use graphics, photo edit, Film edit, play with music or mix a Mac is the only way to go.
MacBooks are the top selling laptops on college campuses. But if ou want a MacBook, best to wait until after Oct 14. That is when the new ones are expected to hit the stores.
I would highly recommend a Mac. If you want to make your own website, you have slick software that will help you. I have both systems on my Mac and now I spend almost all my time on the Mac OS and almost none on the XP side. If you buy a Mac,you wil also get 90 days of free and excellent technical support that Microsoft on its best day would never provide.
Hope that heps