Apple is gaining market share. In a PC dominated world, about 8 % of users have now gone Apple. Should You?
As always, whether you use Mac or Windows will greatly depend on what you do with your computer. I'll run down the main categories of consideration.
Ease of Use - Winner: MAC, (sort of)
Are Macs easier to use? Many users say yes. Most Apple applications look and feel the same. Menus and help are intuitive and easy to navigate. Mac OS X comes with most things that you need to work and play, like email, work with photos and type letters.
That being said, most functions that aren't built in to the Mac OS are confusing and in some cases, impossible. Put another way, the software that comes with the Mac OS works very, very well, and easily; but 3rd party applications can be confusing, and in some cases, they don't make software to do what you want on a Mac.
Some say that these arguments are still better than Windows crashing or locking up, but in reality, it's a wash. Truthfully, my Macs and PC's tend to "crash" or require reboots at about the same frequency. These occurrences are rare, but are about the same with Mac and PC.
Performance - Winner: PC
Macs boot faster, but due to the limited upgradability and narrow line of models available from Apple, A high end PC will outperform the highest end Apples most of the time. Of course this depends on the amount of memory installed and the type of programs you run.
Hardware - Winner: TIE
Macs look good and are built to last. They are sleek and solid and look good on your desk or under your arm - as long as you want one of the 7 models that Apple makes.
On the other hand, PC hardware is so diverse that you have virtually unlimited options as to configuration. New peripherals and gadgets come out every day for Windows, but not so for the Apple. This is both good and bad - the user has many more options to choose from, but PC software (Windows, specifically) has to be able to run with all of that hardare, something that Apple does not have to do. This tend to make Windows more bloated and less fleet-footed than Mac OS X. In addition, Apple controls quality for every Apple made. This is not the case with your Windows box. Each manufacturer has their own QC procedures.
Accessories - Winner: PC
PC's work with more stuff. The majority of accessories and gadgets are made for Windows.
Software - Winner:PC
Apple users will have to wait for those in demand programs to be available, whereas PC users can use bleeding edge applications from day one. For every 10 applications of the same type for Windows, the Mac will have one great program that works well, as long as it does what you need it to. Just ask the Mac-only attorney what they use for practice management; there are only a few programs available, and they have to tailor their practice to match the software, not the other way around.
Security - Winner: MAC
Apple users have a field day with this one. They love to tell you that there are no Mac viruses. And they're right! Mac viruses are virtually non-existent.
Although the hardcore Apple fans would have you believe that there is some bulletproof armor engineered into Macs, the truth is that Apples are currently enjoying "Security through Obscurity." For now, Macs have such a small (but growing) user base, that hackers just don't target them. So for the moment, Apples are more secure from viruses and intrusions.
Gaming - Winner: PC
Every hit game comes out for PC first, and many never are released for Mac.
You can't upgrade Mac video hardware, so PC's will always have the upper hand in the graphics gaming department.
Cost - Winner: PC
Apple models run from the $599 Mac Mini to the basic imac at $1199. Pc's run from $300 on up.
Mac laptops start around $1099 while PC laptops can be had for $500.
Apple peripherals (at least the ones made by Apple) are fairly expensive compared to their PC counterparts.
Which Kind of Computer User are You?
For basic needs, either Mac or PC will do nicely. you'll get more bang for the buck with a PC.
If you are a gamer, early adopter, or gadget hound, stick with the PC. They offer more hardware variety and upgrade options.
For business, PC's will integrate into most environments more easily than Apples, because PC's dominate the business market.
If you do film, music or web design work, many users like the Apple best.
The wild card for many users is Apple's cool look and feel. This adds value and may be enough to get you to pay a bit extra for the Apple hardware.
My Picks:
I have and use both PC's and Apple. I use Windows 90% of the time, but enjoy using the Mac OS when I have the opportunity. I don't see many offices that use Macs, but the few that are willing to invest in a little bit of re-education are very satisfied overall.
The bottom line: Try a Mac and see what you think!
As always, if you have questions about navigating your laptop choices, please give us a call. 
