I have a custom built PC with Windows software, and I enjoy using it everyday. Now I'm in the market for a notebook computer, and I'm considering the MacBook. But the price is several hundred dollars more than a PC notebook. Is the Mac worth the extra dollars? If so, how? Ethan

Since Apple controls both the hardware and software for their machines, they tend to be less troublesome. This tight integration between HW-SW, OS X works fairly flawlessly, although no OS is perfect, and very rarely has problems (with way less maintenance/input required by the end user than Windows systems). For a lot of people though, the 2 biggest reason are the lack of malware and the stuff you can do right out of the box. Currently there are no known viruses/spyware that effect Macs. Not having to deal with Virus and Spyware programs is a big bonus and time saver, and the lack of having to trouble shoot system problems that occur because of virus/spyware. I realize Windows systems can be run problem free for a long time if you diligently guard/maintain the system, but that average end user doesn't spend near enough time doing this, if any time at all. And take a look at all the software included with a new Mac. By the time you get a comparable Windows machine loaded with all the software that comes with a Mac for free, the Mac is definitely cheaper.

1) Plug and play 2) No known virii 3) Little or no system maintainance 4) No blue screens 5) Few if any software conflicts Biggest negative is the relative lack of software available. For some jobs there is no software available at all, so one must use a Win machine.

Thanks for your thoughtful replies, Golfer and mmerlin. I had no idea that Mac was relatively immune to virus attacks. That's a big plus to me. I record music on my PC, and I currently use Cubasis VST for Windows. Is the Garage Band software any good? How does it interface with microphones/instruments? Ethan

The Mac is not immune to virii and spyware. These kinds of malware can be written for the Mac, or any other computer for that matter. Because of the way the Mac is configured, it is a lot harder than on a PC with all of the open gates that Bill Gates has in his software. There is a very good reason not related to the Mac itself that this kind of malware is rare. Macs have 5% of the market. Very few people will spend the time to write malware for a Mac simply because the results would never be noticed. Writers of malware primarily do it to show the whole world that they can do it. Written for a Mac these malware writers would never be noticed and never get 'paid' for their efforts. Paid meaning 'fame' or ego trip. Bottom line: No ego trip equals no virii nor spyware.