Im a recent Mac convert. Been using a macbook pro for the past few months.

I have had Sony and Toshiba in the past, liked both but Sony HD failed after 2 years and power chord wouldnt work...the screen on the Toshiba failed. I have a Dell for work (POS). Wife also has Dell for work (POS). I recently purchased an HP 17" laptop (major POS, returned to costco). Replaced that with Dell XPS laptop which I actually really liked and thought was great but glossy screen was insanely annoying (costco ftw). Decided to finally try a Mac and went with Macbook pro. Its incredibly well built and the performance is far and away the best of any laptop Ive ever used. Much better than the XPS (granted the macbook has better specs). I never play games so the whole "good luck finding games" thing was not an issue. I need performance, innertubes, and media...so far I have no regrets. next computer will be another mac for sure.

for $1500 you should just check the mac refurb page for a lower end 15". they appear every once in a while and are around that price I think. Apple does the refurb and the warranty is the same.

if i was forced to buy a pc id just get a stinkpad because most other brands are crap.