Mac or Windows? Which have you used, and which do you like better?

The debate about Mac vs Windows has been going on for a long time. The percentage of users on Mac is minuscule as compared to Windows but the Mac user community is very active, very vocal and does not miss any sigle chance of bashing Windows (also called Windoze by some of them). I have been using Mac for a couple of years now at home. I got 'converted' when I was looking for a laptop for personal use at home. Going through all the reviews and incidently a Powerbook would always come up in top 5 performing laptops. After doing a serious reading on these and making sure Mac has all the alternatives used by me on Windows, I decided to take the plunge. It was not an easy decision snce I was paying almost $400 more for a laptop when I could easily get a much cheaper Dell or HP with similar specs.

So, I can say that I did decent amount of research before shelling out $1500 for a 12" powerbook. This is what I can summarize:

Mac pros-
1. Unix based operating system, so more secure than Windows. This is a widely known fact.
2. Cool UI. Much better than Windows. Its a great show off to your friends and relatives.
3. Hardware is also better quality.
4. Everything 'just works'. The machine hardly ever hangs. Te Mac OSX and its components like iWorks and iLife are just too good.
5. The software available on Mac is amazingly great for professionals like musicians, photographers and students as well.
5 You have almost all alternatives of windows programs available. And most f them are free.
6. A very active user community which is always ready to help. Just check out the discussion forum on apple website. I guess you will find answers to each and every question you can ever think of.

Mac cons-
1. Expensive. Almost one and a half times
2. Not much used in corporate world. Therefore, you will still need a windows machine for your office work.
3. Not all programs are Mac compatible.
4. Single button track pad. Believe it or not, a lot of people just don't want to look at Mac since it does not have button for right click.
5. Not supported by various hardware companies making accessories. For example, you take a wireless router and hook it up with a Mac. It is not recognized. You call customer service center. As soon as you tell them that you are using mac, the reply comes - 'Sorry sir, we don't support Mac systems'. But the fact it Apple hardware works just fine with all wireless routers.
6. Games - Now this is something where Windows score heavily against Mac. Not many games are available for Mac. Whatever are available are not meant for serious gaming.

So, finally I don't think I answered the question in black and white. The Mac is good for professionals, students and casual internet surfers while Windows is still the only option for office goes and people who need to have specific windows only software. My two cents.

- vish