You know, it really all depends on a few things: how used to Windows you are, how much cash you have, and whether or not you want an overly simple OS.
I've been a Microsoft guy my whole life. Just an average end user, by no means a power user. I love Microsoft, and the machines that come with Microsoft on them are pretty darn good, honestly. Especially with Windows 7. So yes, even despite the fact that I'm typing this on a Mac and the fan boyish name I post under, at heart I'm a Microsoft guy, and I have no problem admitting that if I HAD to pick one or the other forever, I'd probably go Microsoft. But thats not because Apple products are inferior in my opinion, just a matter of being used to Windows and growing up using it.
I've actually only gotten into Apple products in the last year or so, but I have all the average stuff: iPod, ipad2, and an iMac(yes I've paid quite a bit to bite into the Apple), and I can honestly say I'm really impressed. The products all work as advertised, and for the most part I don't feel like I've wasted my money in any way. You pay a lot for form factor and brand name with Apple. People do this with a lot of things though. They buy BMW's when they could buy perfectly good Fords, or buy Rolex watches when a Timex does the same thing. You just have to decide if spending the extra cash is worth it. I say if you have the money, and you're curious enough, it will be money well spent. But if you're tight on funds, save some cash and go with Windows. You can build a much more beastly machine for the money you would spend on an Apple laptop or desktop. Thats just the truth. Like I said, you pay a lot for brand name and form factor with Apple, and all that extra cash could go to give you a gnarly machine. I don't need a gnarly machine, and I didn't mind paying for looks and style.
Since I'm only barely new to OS X Lion I can only comment on what I know about the OS, which isn't much. The most notable thing right away is that OS X is really simple and straight forward. It was weird, cause when I first booted up the Apple and start looking around the OS, I actually thought that I was missing something. Like there had to be some deeper level, and perhaps there is, but from what I can see OS X is intended for people that aren't computer savvy, and don't want to be. With Windows everyone learns to troubleshoot each new OS just a bit, just to be able to get by. I've been using my iMac everyday for about 4 months now, and I haven't had a single hiccup. In contrast with my Windows 7 laptop, within the first month I had lockups that forced me to either End the programs or Restart the machine all together. That sucks on a new machine. Could just be my luck at that time, who knows? But there is no doubt that OS X is about three to four times more simple and straightforward than any Windows OS I've used. For some people that could be a real issue. The more simple things are, the more things are done for you, and a lot of guys want to have total control of their machines. You don't really get that with OS X in my opinion. I don't need it though. Especially cause I already have two other Windows machines that I tinker with all the time. The whole purpose for me owning this Mac was to have a simple, fun machine that I liked to use. It definitely delivers in that regard, but seems child like in comparison to Windows OS's. You have to decide whether or not you want that.
As far as the switch in OS and the way you do things, it really isn't that bad. A little bit of common sense takes you along way on OS X, so if you're already used to running Windows you'll find that most things are similar, they're just labeled differently and placed in different areas on the desktop. You can right click on the Magic Mouse, the same way you would on any PC, but you have to set that option in the System Preferences. You can run Word, but I hear it sucks. In fact, if you're in need of a really kick but word processing machine, I'd avoid Apple. There is an app called Pages that is ok, but honestly, Word and the whole Office suite really out does it by a long shot. For me, Pages gets the job done, but I find myself missing Office because I'me so used to it, and because its so darn good. You won't find that type of awesome word processing on OS X. Also, doing things like resizing pictures and some of the stuff you take for granted on your PC is going to be really different on an Apple simply because you use differently labeled tools to do it.
All in all, I'm happy with my iMac, and with being able to having everything super integrated and streamlined. It makes managing all of my crap much easier, and fun, honestly. That alone was worth the price of entry for me, but isn't for a lot of people. I'm really into Windows, but honestly my new Mac has made using a computer really fun again, even if its just goofing off on here. If that seems cool to you too, go buy an Apple. You will be paying for things that aren't performance related, and you will have to get used to some different things. Don't expect the Apple machine to do anything that your PC wouldn't, except be extremely fun and easier to use. It also helps if you have an iPod, iPhone, or an iPad because you can really link everything up nice and easy.What is great about Apple is their customer service.
Oh, you are just sooo old.
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