HELP Deciding between Windows laptops and OS X MacBook Pro!

Question

I'm going to college this coming fall and am in the market for a new laptop to bring with me. I've been debating between PC laptops and Apple laptops for months now. This all started with the release of the MBP and its Intel Duo processor. In short, the new MBP's intrigue me.
So, I ask for help with deciding between the two. I'm very used to Windows XP; I have a Dell desktop and a Sony Vaio laptop. I do know the basics of
OS X because we use them at my high school.
My main question is, Why should I make the jump from Windows to Apple/
OS X?
Also, I have looked at several other notebooks, comparing features with prices. The 15.4" MBP is running at $2000. For the same price, I can get a similar Windows laptop with more technical features (more GB hard drive/more RAM).
MAC-80GB HD ; 512MB DDR2 RAM
SONY NOTEBOOK-100GB HD ; 1GB DDR2 RAM
Is the Apple notebook slower? I just have many questions, and I hope someone is able to answer at least a few and "teach me" the Apple way. Any help is appreciated!!
  Windows XP  

Answer 1

Hi, eightnotes. welcome to the forum.
In my opinion, there are several reasons why you should make the jump.
The first and biggest reason is the user experience, i.e. ease of use and low-maintenance OS. You're familiar with Windows, so you know you almost need to have a degree in computer science to properly secure, protect and maintain a Windows pc against internet threats. The Mac OS is not so threatened, so you will spend less time and energy worrying about it, securing it, and fixing it when it breaks.
Another reason is the way that Mac OS X is well integrated to fit the hardware that runs it. I've always believed that one of Windows biggest weaknesses is the fact that computer manufacturers must properly engineer their hardware to conform to the requirements of Windows OS. Of course, some are better than others, and God help you if you have a problem. "Who ya gonna call?". If it's OS X on Macintosh, you're gonna call Apple.
And finally, I think Apple provides the best suite of software that a consumer can get for everyday use. iLife (with iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iDVD and Garage Band) is simply the best at digital photos, music and video. If you need more than that, add iWork or MS Office for the writing and publishing... add other third party apps for other things and you're still using excellent, solid apps.
There you go! Three very good reasons (IMHO) why you should make the jump.
And here's one more for good measure. The ability to run Windows XP natively (and maybe Vista next year) on the newest Intel-based Macs. If you make the switch and just can't seem to tear yourself away from the dark side that is Windows, then you can always visit it from the comfort of your couch and your lap with your new MacBook Pro and Boot Camp.
So, even though the price may seem greater for the MacBook Pro, once you factor in all the advantages and factor out the hassles, the MacBook Pro is the way to go.
I hope this is helpful.
Regards... d.i.