I'd like to get a new computer but I'm not certain about getting a Macbook Pro vs a Windows PC Helpppppppppppp

Question

I'm shopping for a new computer.  I've been a Windows user for a long time now.  I've been shopping for a laptop so I can be portable.  I really like the design and features of the Macbook Pro with Retina and it would do what I need it to do for audio recording and other things musically.  I've been told by musician friends that its much easier to work with a Macbook Pro when it comes to audio recording, photos, and movie making.  I've read this in many articles online as well.
I'm convincing myself more each day to get a Macbook Pro, but that reservation keeps holding me back because of my Windows experience.  I know I can purchase Parallels or VMWare Fusion 5 and run Windows so what I am worried about it? lol
I'd like to read some feedback on those Mac users that converted over from Windows.  How has your experience been with a Macbook Pro?  I like the idea that Apple will be bringing the manfacturering of their systems to the USA.  I also like the fact that Apple does their own research to build great products for all consumers to enjoy.  I guess that's why the products cost so much.  You're paying for care and quality.
Ok Mac users honestly convince me that I'm making a solid and sound decision by diving into a Macbook Pro.
Thanks and take care,
L

Answer 1

I have used PCs for years, and still do at work.  But, last year my wife bought me a 15" MBP with the anti-glare screen (I was getting ready to buy for myself).  It took me all of 1 week to completely get used to the UI for OS-X, and now I really prefer it over the Win7 UI.  I have no experience with Win8.  Here are my thoughts:
1) You can get a good computer using either a Win8 machine or a Mac.
2) You will pay less for an equivalent PC.  But not as much less as some would have you believe.  You need to take into account the all aluminum body of the Mac (vs most PCs being plastic) and the size of the display.  And, don't forget that there is a lot of bundled SW on the Mac that you will actually find useful and would have to purchase for the PC.
3) You can probably do everything you need on the PC platform with the right SW (you probably already know this since you are using one already).
That said, I think some things are easier on the Mac.  For example, GarageBand is a standard part of the Mac SW installation.  I got up and running recording directly from my bass into a track with a song imported from iTunes on another track in a snap.  I only had to purchase a Jam adapter ($99) for the bass so I could come in over USB instead of using the audio in port (which did work, by the way).  You can do the same on a PC, but you have to purchase the SW from somewhere.  And, it probably isn't cheap.
I use VMware Fusion to run those Win programs I already owned because it was much less expensive to buy Fusion than to replace them.
I would not return to a PC for my own use, given a choice.  But, I would be very careful about getting my wife a Mac without careful thought as she is not as tolerant of learning new things as I am.
So, there you go.