I have a macbook; I've had several over the past few years. I do love them, because they're convenient and easy to use and I have virtually 0 issues with viruses. It's kind of a pain in the ass, though, because you need to reinstall all of your programs and, for a lot of them, need to purchase them again because it's a totally different format.

They're also very expensive and fairly delicate.

I would not go back to a PC.

I'm taking the leap into the Mac world for school. I bought a PC about a year ago, and within 6 months it completely crashed on me. I did manage to reinstall Windows 7 and get it into working condition for my first semester, but as soon as I have the refund from my loans, I'm jumping in feet first into the Mac world. It seems like imprudent spending, at roughly $2K, but if it can last me until I'm done with my Bachelor's (or most of the way through this next 3 years), it'll be worth it. Luckily school sells Microsoft Office for Mac for $11.

If I could offer a single piece of advice for people considering investing in a mac product--especially a mac laptop--it would be to purchase the extended warranty. I know, you're like, "But that's stupidly expensive! These computers are already so pricey!"

I know.

But when they replace your laptop because you've had three issues after a year and a half, you'll be grateful that you don't need to come up with another two grand.

I always buy AppleCare with any purchase, I've definitely looked into that as apple has been great about replacing iPods and iPhones no questions asked. We've purchased multiple iPods and 4 iPhones and gotten it with everyone. I think it's 250 on the MacBook? For am extra three years of coverage, I'd do that, that's a great investment for peace of mind.

I'm seriously considering a trip to best buy this afternoon. I've got an assignment that's being delivered today and I would like to get rolling on more reviews. Plus I got a dslr camera a few months ago that I haven't been able to do anything with pictures taken from it because it crashes my pc everytime I try and upload them.

I think people are harping on PCs too much. If you buy a $2k PC, it will last just as long as your $2k Mac. It's just that a lot of people buy the lower end consumer brand PCs...which obviously would not last that much. I personally think Macs are way too overhyped. They are so delicate for how much you are paying for them.

Case in point: I have a Lenovo Thinkpad (business level) and I've dropped this various times and it's never been damaged. My sister, with her Macbook (not pro) and Applecare, costs the same amount, but she drops it and it dies. She's also had to get the harddrive replaced 3 times (free with Applecare, but really inconvenient and you may have lost data, which is priceless).

I took the plunge and went ahead and bought a macbook pro this afternoon, got the 13in for 1099. LOVE IT so far. I was really looking for something with awesome photo editing capabilities right off the bat so that's why I was attracted to the mac that comes pre-loaded with iPhoto along with iCloud for use with the iPhones in our house. I didn't want to buy a pc and have to get all new software, photoshop, etc. I could have bought a new pc, new windows operating system, and photoshop and probably would have come out comparable in terms of price. I am happy for now

I have a MacBook Pro and honestly I think there is not competition for it. Definitely buy AppleCare. Also try and get the education discount if possible (if you're not a student/teacher, have a friend get the discount for you). Also if you want to save money consider not buying Microsoft Office unless you can get a good deal. I use iWork exclusively and have no problems with it.

Edit: whoops, didn't see you had just posted.

I have a 5 year old macbook (the white one) and its still going strong. I highly recommend AppleCare.

In addition I recommend getting a backup hard drive and backup your computer using the the Time Capsule. I had to replace my hard drive once and I was able to restore my computer to what it was prior to the replacement because I had backed it up.