Cry for help!

[muchabstracted]

So I need to replace my computer. Hopefully quickly, as I currently have no access outside of the public library, despite my brother's and chanaleh's help and suggestions in that department. I am having lots of trouble making decisions, and my usual first source for information about computers is out of the state at the moment, so I throw myself on your mercy.

The big question:
I use the computer for word processing and internet, and the occasional use of listening to music. I found it helpful to record my voice, as that has a very occasional use at work, but even that is not too important. Is there any real reason for me to spend the extra several hundred dollars on a Mac, given my salary?

And, uh, are there any extras I should consider?

All thoughts appreciated.

Comments

[muchabstracted.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I will keep all this in mind for when I feel more adventurous. I don't really listen to music on the computer very much, so I don't think I would miss iTunes that much. There are places to buy mp3s via the web, anyway.

But I did end up with a Mac, this time, after all. It's very nice to be connected online again.

I've heard awful things about Windows Vista, so I'd have definitely wanted to avoid that anyway.