So the cost is not just the upfront cost, but the premium is what you pay for lack of aggravation. It’s really worth it.

My story: I switched from a custom Win XP desktop to a MacBook Pro (my first Apple — the late 2008 aluminum redesign) in Nov. of last year, expecting to use the MBP as a companion to the PC. I have a lot of $$ invested in Windows-based software, everything from Quicken & You Need a Budget to graphics-intensive online games. I bought the MBP with the thought that I would gradually transition to Mac versions where possible as I upgraded/replaced software and keep the desktop for that which could only run on Windows. I did pick up an OEM copy of WinXP (~$100 on Amazon) to stick on the Mac using Bootcamp so that I could run those apps on the laptop if I wanted.

What I found — to my great surprise — was that the MBP quickly and completely replaced the desktop. I cannot express how much I love the lil’ guy — in fact, the PC isn’t even hooked up anymore. I use Evernote and other Mac-only software, and have found that they do live up to a lot of the hype. Much of the Mac software is interconnected. A birthday from the central address book shows up in iCal, for instance. But the real shock was how the Mac runs Windows — MUCH faster than any laptop I’ve seen that’s theoretically _made_ to run Windows. (I don’t use any of the Parallels/VMWare type programs to run both concurrently, so I can’t speak about that.) We chose the Pro for the graphics capability, and it runs the Windows-only 3D games (Everquest2, etc) not only without a hitch (with a minor concession — see below), but with the settings cranked up. The games are absolutely gorgeous.

Being one of the early adopters of the aluminum body came with a price, though. My version has heat issues when in Windows with the video card being taxed, such as when running a 3D game. The computer must be vented in this situation or else I get the “black screen of death” that may or may not be the fault of the graphics card or the aluminum enclosure. The resolution for me was to get a cooling pad that props the laptop up at a very slight angle (more comfortable anyway) and wait for the internal temperature to trigger the fans to ramp up, which happens within 30 seconds of loading the game. After that, it’s fine. I’ve been following some threads on Apple’s discussion boards about it, and it appears that the problem may have been remedied by now.

If you switch, you’ll see for yourself what everyone’s talking about with respect to OSX the first time you connect your printer. It goes something like this: Plug in printer. Click on your browser’s (or Word’s, or whatever you’re using) print command/button. The end. (What? No “Select your printer from a list” dialog? No “Have disk?” button? No fighting with driver upgrades at 3 in the morning before a deadline? NOPE!)

Getting used to the different commands was about 75% intuitive for me. One of those “switch from the PC to the Mac” websites (or books – O’Reilly’s got a nice one) helps with whatever’s not as obvious.

Finally, the cost was a huge hurdle, and the purchase was not one we made lightly. We put money aside for a year to pay for it, knowing that for me, a mobile computer was moving from “cool to have (ahhh, one day)” to the “I really could use one” category. We decided that in the long run, buying something that is built to last, offers great flexibility in terms of the operating systems and software, and comes with that famous “It just works!” usability was the best way we could spend our money. We have not been disappointed, and are now starting to save for my husband’s Mac that we’ll buy when his PC can’t be economically upgraded anymore.

My uncle, who is a retired systems analyst, strongly recommended that I get an Apple computer. He also had persuaded my sister to get one several years ago. She has always used Windows based computers and it took her some adjusting to get used to the Apple operating system. When I had to make the decision on which to get, she is the one I asked for advice, since she now has both. She told me she now prefers the Apple, since it is easier to use and she found it to be almost intuitive. The way she explained it, it seemed like the computer knew what she would want almost before she knew it herself, and would practically hand it to her.

A friend of mine got tired of buying a whole new computer every two or three years and bought an iMac. After having only windows based computers her whole life, she is now in love with Apple and will never go back.

My niece just finished her freshman year in college. Before she left, she got to choose which laptop she would be taking to college. She has experience with both systems and she chose the MacBook.

Probably the most useful advice I got was from the author of a book on how to buy a computer. I sent him an email asking whether I should go with an Apple or a PC. His response was absolutely go for the Apple. He said he would not own Windows based computers if he didn’t need them in order to write about them.

In the time I have owned this MacBookPro, it has never given me a problem. It is so easy to use. I love how everything seems to be drag and drop. Saves a lot of time. I love not having to fear strange websites or my friend’s emails in case they harbor viruses, spyware or other nasties.

I love it so much, I bought an iMac for home, and use the laptop to go places.

@Everyone – Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, you’ve really given me a great deal to consider and I appreciate it!

To address a few comments:

I would be using it to surf the web, blog, do development of my websites and blogs, Photoshop graphics, manage by photos, limited video, and some word processing/spreadsheet work. 90% of it thought will be development of websites and associated graphics.

On Lenovo – there are two types, real Lenovo computers (the value lines) and the ThinkPads like the one I am considering. I have had mnay laptops over the years from my employers, and hands down the Lenovo Thinkpads (previously IBM) are hands down the best. Sure, they have issues, but are the most durable I’ve had.

Software wouldn’t be too much of a concern. I guess I would need to purchase a Mac version of Photoshop unless I just ran it under Windows which is most likely what I would do…at least in the short term.

So one more question. A number of you recommended the regular Macbooks…my only concern with them is the 13″ screen. Seems very small to me, especially for the graphics and development work I do. I was leaning towards the Pro for the 15″ screen.

I did find some good deals on refurbished machines, so that does reduce the price difference a little more.

Thanks again!

In my personal use I’ve got an HP and I have to say, I hate it, too. Mostly I don’t like fighting with Windows, but the battery life is also a huge issue. When I replace my personal computer, I think I’m going to pay the extra money for a Mac just so I have piece of mind and can me more productive. I spend too much of my time waiting for Window’s to catch up to me. It’s extremely frustrating. But again, a lot of this is also compounded by my work computer’s issues. But, speed is a big one for me.