Getting a new laptop and have a few Windows 7 vs. Mac OS X questions...

Hi everyone. I'm about to get a new laptop and for the first time in 11 years, I am actively considering something other than a ThinkPad. I really like the idea of getting HP's new powerhouse workstation with its DreamColor display. On the other hand, I am also considering a MacBook Pro. I've actually been spending a little bit of time playing around with OS X on my laptop and I was wondering if any of you have ever contemplated getting a Mac and specifically Apple's OS X, either in the past or maybe for your next laptop...?

Have you perhaps had a Mac before and didn't like it or would you want one but consider it to be too expensive? Personally, I have always liked Windows and I especially find Windows 7 very appealing from a stability and security standpoint. But what about OS X? Apple has seen a resurgence of the Mac in recent years and continues to be wildly popular amongst the seemingly growing number of loyal Mac enthusiasts. I've done a little bit of research but I always run into these so-called "fanboys" (and girls?) whose apparent and unhelpful hatred of the "opposing" platform gets in the way of any meaningful insight. In fact, according to several articles I've read, the Mac OS is often times a significant reason for some people who prefer a Mac over a Windows-based PC.

I'd really love to hear some points for and against what many consider the superior Mac OS X when compared to Windows 7. What about Apple's hardware configurations these days? Compared to five years ago, they have come down in price quite a bit, haven't they? Then there are those who suggest that OS X is sometimes quite a bit faster and significantly more robust than Windows. Yet others claim that Windows keeps copying OS X as far as new innovative features are concerned.

I could really use some help with deciding as to what would best suit me, and with Apple, I'm mostly concerned about getting into a different (and unfamiliar) operating system. I thank you in advance for your advice.

Thanks very much!

 

Personally, I would never buy a computer where someone else told me what software and hardware I could use. The only real pro's for Mac's, that I have read about, is their media platform. But if Mac's and OSx are that good, why are so many people hacking PC software to run on them? Sounds like a shortage of really good software to me. And you're right about the "fanbois ". Some of them would buy an iTurd, if Jobs said it was cool! I like Windows, most days!, and think Mac's are a nitche thing. Cool for now, until something new comes along. Just my opinion, and worth what you paid for it.