Wow, looks like you guys prefer MAC-----Just to add a different perspective---I have been using a PC..well, since there were PC's (my first was a 4.77 megahertz processor with two floppy drives and a green monochrome monitor)


Anyway, I like the ability to choose my hardware, modify my software and pay a competitive price for upgrades and add ons. Since 1981, I have only had 1 harddrive failure and I had one monitor go out a few years ago. Usually, I spend money on machines because I outgrow them, not because they break or die. Name brand software is usually about the same price for both platforms, so thats not really a deciding factor for me.


Sometime last year I decided to buy a new system, and like you I struggled with the PC/Mac Question and even asked this forum the same thing you did-----I got about the same answers. Ultimately, I spent about $1500 on an I7 Quadcore 3.2 Ghz, 12 Gig of very fast ram, a mediocre Graphics card, a 256 Gig SDD and two 1TB hardrives, an onboard card reader and two multi-optical drives and enough power to add more goodies.----This system runs my adobe software like a champ---no conflicts---It does very well with video editing and simultaneously runs PS, lightroom and HDREFX pro extremely fast. I looked at the the MAC pro and for a comparably spec'd system it would cost me $4000---I chose the homebuilt PC and added a Canon 100mm Macro f2.8L, a Canon 50mm1.2 L to my lens collection for the price of that Mac Pro.


Like you, I had experience with and was comfortable with PC's. Yes, I had to shop and read alot to buy the right components, Yes I had to build it, Yes I had a couple of minor bugs to figure out, But....for a weekend of work, it was worth every penny I didn't have to spend on a Macpro and I got a couple of really nice lenses to boot.


Good luck on your decision.


Bob


PS, My boss is a diehard Macbook fan----he has had 3 harddrive failures in two years--But....They just work[:'(]