damn, can you really dl windows xp onto a mac?

 

Yeah, and it runs it natively. This isn't some virtual machine BS, but actually running WinXP.

http://www.apple.com/bootcamp

 

If you're accustomed to Windows and plan to use mostly Windows, I wouldn't necessarily advise getting a MacBook. I have an Intel-equipped MacBook Pro for work use that runs Windows, OS X, and Linux. It's nice that all three operating systems can run on it, but if you're used to Windows, the keyboard layout is going to be a little funky. For instance, there's no Delete key (only Backspace) which means no Ctrl-Alt-Del to bring up Task Manager, no Home or End or Page Down keys, no left mouse button, and so forth. The limitations certainly aren't fatal and you can get around them, but it takes getting used to.

Given your stated requirements, and assuming that you're okay with Windows, I'd save myself some cash and get a Windows laptop. The Dells are great machines for the money and you can get great bargains using coupons from bensbargains.net and similar sites.

If you see yourself using Mac OS X frequently, though, then of course the Intel MacBooks are a great choice.

 

I'm on the standard Macbook that we picked up for my fiance right now. It's a great little computer. Plenty powerful for doing what she does and a little of what I do. We picked up the black 2.0 with 2 gigs of ram. It motors around pretty good.

I was running wide open today with photoshop/illustrator/safari/font/Acrobat etc running. Bouncing around with no issues at all.

I'm planning on picking up a macbook pro when the new OS releases. By then they should have another revision of the chip and hopefully some of the bugs we've encountered in my office will be solved.

Mac's rip. I'm looking forward to running some games like FEAR on it.