[GMONEY]

This almost comes down to a matter of choice. We run Windows based computers at work due to most of our companies having them. I called our IT department and talked to them. These guys are very good at what they do and are certified thru Microsoft to work on their system. All of them told me depending on what you are using the system for would dictate what computer they would buy.
THey told me we use majority of windows based systems due to the fact the rest of the company has them, and do not need issues with document transfers and different warranties and dealing with different companies. But on their personal choice all of them have Apple for personal systems.
If you are using the system for just gaming, or for just emails, or for photo and music editing makes a difference.
My kids are into computers alot and have us researching the choice. We have always had Dell, just because of the name. But after going to the Apple Store at the Florida Mall and using the system, and seeing what the apps will do and what it comes with, I am impressed with the IMAC. The other great thing is my family all use IPOD and it is alot easier to connect and do things with the IPOD on the Apple.
I Think the Mac Book Pro is a little expensive, but if I was getting another laptop it would be that Pro 17". I guess you get what you pay for.

I remember when we got our laptop from Dell which is a XPS M-140 I think. I wanted the XPS Gaming system and it was way up there. The new Dell XPSM1730 starts at 2200.00 and the Apple MaBook Pro is at 2499.00 But it has the more features. So the prices is not a factore here.

I keep hearing people say but in a year or two it will be out dated and you have to upgrade. That is nonsense.. The average computer user will not even come close to using up what the average computer will do. I have a 100GB hard drive, operate a base Pent-4 system. Have the standard DVD burner and a 14" screen on my laptop. It does everything now that it did 4 years ago and really no need to get a new one. My system at work I am on now is 6.5 years old. It is a Pent-4 2.53 with 1gb Ram. Has a base DVD-CD Burner. Has a 100GB Hard Drive of which 70% is un-used. It runs our programs off of server that has 5 different drives in which our Apps are located and does just fine. But it has alot of life left. when buying a system look into how much you could up grade.

got a little to much info going there sorry. But will be buying a IMAC for the house based on research and comparisons and actually using the different systems. Apple has come along way for the good......