From the , you'd think that Windows computers are inherently thrifty, and that Mac fans pay a punitive "." Not true--t. What is entirely accurate--and valuable--is that the Windows world offers plenty of PCs at every price point, including the low ones that Apple . The , for instance, costs $999; BestBuy.com offers 78 Windows notebooks that cost less than that.

Apple has popularized more important hardware innovations than any other company, from the mouse to Wi-Fi. At the moment, though, it steers clear of multiple useful features that its Windows-based rivals have embraced. With Windows systems, for instance, built-in memory-card readers are standard, and HDMI connectors for easy HDTV hookups are becoming so. Wireless broadband, built-in TV tuners, and Blu-ray are all reasonably affordable options. In Macland, you can get some of those features only through third-party add-ons. And others you simply must do without.

If you want to perform a task that computers are capable of helping you perform--from to --a Windows application will help you do it. Usually several of 'em, including ones that cost little or no money in many cases. That's because most companies and individuals that write software choose to do so for the platform that offers them far more potential customers than any other. Third-party Mac programs are often terrific, but there are simply fewer of them, especially in exotic categories.