Considering going Mac...help/opinions please

Question

I currently have a custom built PC thats about 2 years old running Windows XP and Office 2003 (2gb memory, 2.9 ghz intel processor, 256 mb video card, 120 gb seagate s-ata hard drive, etc. I have been contemplating switching over to Mac due to all of the great things i have heard about the systems. I intend on using a student discount and am focusing on a macbook (pref. 2.2 ghz core duo, 2gb mem, 120 HD, etc) with Office 2008 for mac and the apple service plan.
My questions are:
About what time frame is the next generation of macbook expected/estimated to be released and at what price (in comparison to the current macbook).
How truely reliable are these systems? I see a lot of you all posting on here about problems as well as pleanty of people seeking assistance at the Genious Bar in the apple stores; do they really break/fail/glitch that often?
What is the "accessory kit" included in the macbook package?
How does the windows system perform/operate using the mac hardware?
If there is anything else that you all think i should know or feel like sharing, please, be my guest. Thank you in advance for your replies.
Shaun

Answer 1

*About what time frame is the next generation of macbook expected/estimated to be released and at what price (in comparison to the current macbook).* We're just Mac users. Speculating on such things is I believe against forum rules.
*How truely reliable are these systems? I see a lot of you all posting on here about problems as well as pleanty of people seeking assistance at the Genious Bar in the apple stores; do they really break/fail/glitch that often?*
My experience has been very positive. Mac's are as reliable as any electronics I've owned. I use Windows at work and Mac OS at home and while I won't say that OS X is absolutely rock solid I think it's as close as you can get. If you read these forums you'll find that many of the problems here are self inflicted, ie: I poured water on my keyboard after I formatted my hard drive, but that was after I dropped my Mac, I have my life on my computer and no back up how do I get it back? It's frustrating sometimes. As this is a user to user forum most of the posts are going to be searching for an answer for some type of problem. Often the users, especially in the MacBook forum, are new to Macs and really just don't know what they're doing yet.
*What is the "accessory kit" included in the macbook package?*
I'm not sure what you mean by "accessory kit". Here's what's in the box:
• MacBook
• 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord
• Lithium-polymer battery
• Apple Remote
• Install/restore DVDs
• Printed and electronic documentation
*How does the windows system perform/operate using the mac hardware?*
I don't use windows on my Mac. From what I'm told and have read here, windows runs pretty darn good on Mac Hardware. I think it's going to depend on what you're trying to do in Windows.
I know several people who have switched. Some use Mac OS exclusively, some use a blend of Mac and Windows, BUT.....I don't know anyone who has switched back.
Once you go Mac, you'll never go back!