Macs are fine if you like overpaying for a computer that will be obsolete in a year (Mac deliberately holds back new features so you will be tempted to buy the next model) and limits what you can do with it.

 

I'm starting to think, computers should be added to the list of things never to talk about along with Religion and Politics. It seems the very discussion prompts extreme opinions. Anyway, you can obviously do just fine whether you go PC or Mac. I presently love my Mac computers. I have an iMac that is over 5 years old and still running like a champ. I also have a brand new 15" MacBook Pro and love it. Yes, you can run windows on them now. And seeing as how you just need a quality all around computer, I can't see Macs not fulfilling your needs. The other thing I feel should be mentioned is customer service. If you have an Apple Store nearby, that is a bigtime bonus in my opinion. You're able to get tech support and they're easy to deal with (from my experience). I'm definitely not trying to be a "fanboy", just relating my experience with Mac. Nothing wrong with the PC world either. And as for them being obsolete in a year, that is true about pretty much every computer that comes to market. But as I said, my 5 year old iMac is still running nicely. Its not blazing like my MacBook Pro but it still gets the job done for the time being. So anyway, I'm done. Just thought I'd say that Macs are great machines and they now have a sufficient number of options for a variety of budgets. Good luck!

 

Actually have a Apple store in Reno(40 min)away so went and checked them out yesterday.Definitely can't beat there graphics and they do have some great features.The one I was looking at 21.5" seemed a little slow and with having to run windows as a prerequisite you have to buy all that software as a seperate package so it definitely adds up quick.

 

I bought an HP TouchSmart about 4 months ago. So far, I'm loving it! I still have the Gateway I was using for 7 years prior to the upgrade. I still works perfectly... Though I have learned how to maintain a PC since my first Gateway. It didn't last past 3 years.

 

I had a Gateway that lasted for 7 years but I bought that one before Gateway closed their local stores and merged with eMachines. Now I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. I've tried having a machine custom built and didn't fair well so I'm going to build my own from now on. I have enough knowledgeable friends to help me out if I run into any problems.