I have a pc and I am thinking of getting a new one. I have been looking a MACs this time around. If you have one or have done some research please give me your comments. Hopefully this won't turn into PC vs MAC hater thread.   BTW I am currently running Vista Ultimate.

I am using a PC but my browswer is Safari and of course also use iTunes, etc.

So, you get the Apple software, which is definitely good but get more bang for the buck with a PC. Regarding virus and malware protection, there are a lot of excellent applications available free these days. AVG is free on downloads.com and probably no need to pay for the deluxe version for most users.

Apple has some good software that might influence some peoples choice depending on what they mainly use their computer for.

If money is no object, then just go Apple. Unfortunately vPinmame is only for PC's.

My .02

After using both professionally for over 12 years now, I can honestly say that unless you're a power user with money to burn, stick to a PC.  You can build a PC with similar specs to the latest Mac for around 1/3 the cost, and your upgrade options down the road are nearly unlimited.  Apple intentionally makes it difficult (or very, very expensive) to upgrade Macs because they want you to buy a new one.  Yes it's true, Mac's have very few virus issues.. but spend the $45 per year and get antivirus for your PC, you'll be fine.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Mac.. but I use it professionally as I work in the graphic industry, and it's the standard in my field.  Mac's are very powerful rigs, their memory and chipset usage is fine-tuned for professional applications like Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, Pro-Tools, etc.. a Mac can chew threw the torture these programs will put it through like nobody's business.  That's why they've always been more expensive.  It's a tool for professionals.  There's a reason there are so few games for Mac OS.

Not saying this is the case for you, but I always find it a shame that people are convinced to drop $3k of their hard earned cash on a computer to check Facebook and answer emails on.  

Most importantly, if you buy a PC (or build one) with compatible specs, you can actually dual-boot it with either Windows or OS X.  So really, you can have the best of both worlds at 1/3 the cost.  Karmatose can chime in on that if he likes, he's got more experience with it.

Quoted from wbradley

AVG is free on downloads.com and probably no need to pay for the deluxe version for most users.

My .02

Dump AVG and get the completely FREE (but not widely advertised)  downloadable Microsoft Security Essentials.  One of the lease bloated and most effective pieces of anti-virus software out there on par with the likes of Nod32, and the new Norton.

I switched myself and local clients from NOD32 (which was great) and haven't seen any performance or efficacy hit at all.

Spend 0$ on MSE, don't download online porn and don't beleive everything you read in an email that sounds like your bank is warning you about impending doom and you'll be just fine.  I've built MAC and PC systems for something like 20+ years now, was an Apple Registered Consultant, huge Apple, Mac (and AMiga) fan... but once I realized what I could do hardware wise with my bucks (and all my clients switched) I went PC and never looked back.  

Even for graphic artists, the only reason to go Mac is for bragging rights. For animation/video and music production, they still give the Mac & 3rd party software a nod, but that's just so they can justify staying off the IT dept's "watch list".

Apple knows how to build excellent machines, and have a tight grip on their OS which  gives all Mac software similar "hooks" ... but they've been sharing technology and software with Microsoft for few years now.  Look for the new "Mapplesofts" coming out any time soon.

I've honestly never been happy with the Apple platforms.  I think it's mostly a difference of opinion in design philosophy-Apple software is very good at doing exactly what Apple wants you to do with it, in exactly the way that apple wants you to.  If you want to move outside of that very narrow definition of use though, you're probably screwed.  Yes, the mac landscape has vastly improved over the past few years, but I think you're still paying too much to get fewer features and fewer options than you will with a PC.  

Really, what you get depends on what you need it for.  Getting a midrange laptop is fine if all you're looking for is web, office stuff, and some light image editing/media.  If you want a gaming system, that's a little more complicated.  Getting up to Win7 from Vista is also a huge improvement-you'll actually see better performance on Vista level hardware from Win7.  I'll also second Microsoft Security Essentials-it's much lighter weight than AVG was, and less of a headache to keep updated (AVG major version upgrades required a manual download).  

I use to use PCs, mainly because I'm a gamer but switched to a Mac a few years ago. I really enjoy using it and I cringe when I have to use a windows PC, I guess vie become a snob  

Now that games are starting to come out for Mac, and most are on the 360 I no longer see any reason to stay with a PC. They're a bit cheaper but most of the or ice difference disappears when you factor in the cost of Windows.

I don't care about vpinmame, it sucks.

Quoted from jonny_eh

Now that games are starting to come out for Mac, and most are on the 360 I no longer see any reason to stay with a PC. They're a bit cheaper but most of the or ice difference disappears when you factor in the cost of Windows.

Typing on your iPad, I see..  

Quoted from machine.slave

Typing on your iPad, I see..  

iPad fail

Most of my typos (And I see that I do a ridiculous amount of them) are a result of my iPhone and the stupid faulty touchpad which forces me to turn the phone sideways to use the lower line.

I think that the Mac is like a luxury item that most people can do without. But if you can easily part with the extra cash, why not?

Quoted from websherpa

...Spend 0$ on MSE, don't download online porn and don't beleive everything you read in an email that sounds like your bank is warning you about impending doom and you'll be just fine...

I am busted on the second point.

Quoted from Sparky

I am busted on the second point.

Me too..    Thankfully, I use a Mac!