When I first saw this question, I hesitated to even work on a reply for fear that it would spark a massive battle over the whole Mac vs. PC issue. But then I decided to go ahead with it anyway.
You can argue about it all day long but the simple fact is that the Mac platform is typically better suited for the average computer user, IF PRICE IS NOT AN ISSUE. Why? You say... Well, I have been installing, servicing and working on personal computers for over 30 years and personally perform over 1000 service calls per year. And I can personally attest to the fact that under simple daily use of email, internet surfing, playing music, Photo editing and other general purpose computing, apple computers are more reliable, less prone to all types of infections and in general require far less maintenance than PC's. There, I have said it...
Ok, I can't stop there.
So bear with me as I try to explain further and give you a few examples:
HARDWARE - Pretty much everyone agrees that both PC's and Mac's use similar internal hardware and many of them are probable produced in the very same factories in China. And since Apple started using Intel Processors instead of Motorola, they are now even more similar. However, if you have ever disassembled an apple computer, you will find that they do tend to use higher quality parts and tend to go that little step further to insure a quality product. For Example: It is not uncommon to find Western Digital BLACK hard drives in an iMac vs. the lesser quality Blue drives that you might find in many PC's. You will also notice Apple places thermal sensors directly on the hard drive to monitor the hard drive temperature. I have never seen this on a PC except in extremely high end or custom built machines. They seem to go the extra mile that tends to result in the LIKLEYHOOD that the computer will last a little longer. However, like any other computer you can still get a lemon or experience a hard drive failure.
PRICE - You can now get a PC for under $300 and the least expensive Apple computer is going to run you a $1,000 and more. So even if the Apple lasts a little longer, you could theoretically purchase 3 low cost PC for the price of just one Apple. I am not saying that the $300 PC is equal in quality or even performance of the $1000 Macbook but for basic computing, it will do the job for most people. I have several $300 computers and I have to tell you that many of them are very decent computers. I am going on 5 years with my $250 Netbook that I carry around with me every day.
FLEXIBILTY - Microsoft PC's are far more flexible and capable of being upgraded, altered and customized than Apple computers. Configurations are unlimited and can be customized to match the needs of pretty much any application.
REPAIRS - Apple is well known for producing state of the art electronics that are thoughtfully designed. However, they definitely do not design their products with repairing, upgrading or Do-it-Yourself service in mind. Because of this, the cost to repair can be very expensive and if you happened to forgo the Apple Care Extended warranty program, you may be in for a shocking surprise. I have seen what would be a fairly inexpensive repair on a PC end up costing more than half the cost of a new computer with the Mac.
SOFTWARE - Even though things continue to change, there is still far more software available for the PC than the Apple. Also some software that is available for both PC and Apple is just not the same. For example: Quicken and Qucikbooks for Mac is a completely different program and the Apple version lacks many of the features that the PC version has had for years. But if all you need your computer for is the basics, then this would not be an issue. However, I would recommend researching any and all software that you plan to use to make sure there is a version that will run on the Mac the way that you want it too.
PRODUCT SELECTION - The number of brands, styles and configurations that are possible in PC's is mind boggling. Just walk into your local Best Buy store and you will be lost in the selection of PC's that are available. Pretty much any size, shape, style and price can be found. On the flip side, Apple has a very limited selection of models to choose from. If you want a laptop, you pretty much have 2 models to choose from only 2 possible sizes to select.
RELIABILITY - I have found the Apple operating system to be far more stable than Windows. Much of this is due to the fact that Apple acts as a gatekeeper for all software that is written for their computers and this in combination with well designed hardware and the fact that there are very few viruses and malware for Apple, results in a more reliable, stable machine.
THE BOTTOM LINE - From what you have read so far, you probably assume that I must be an Apple fanboy. Not at all, I am a Microsoft PC user at heart. And even though I have many Apple Computers, all my daily work is performed on Microsoft Based PC's.. Accounting, Scheduling and all my day to day work is performed on PC's. Why? I like the flexibility to build my own systems, configure them the way I want and at pretty much any price that I want to pay. I like the huge selection of software both free and paid and the low cost and availability of parts and upgrades. I also love the huge selection of designs, types and configurations that are available. However, I cannot discount the overall quality of the Apple products. I have to confess that I sometimes use my iPad to remote into my PC while I am out of the office.
If your needs are as simple as you described and you do not have any special software needs and you don't mind spending the extra money for a Mac, then by all means, go for it. I really don't think you will regret it. But, please spend the extra for the Apple Care Program.
Dana
Wayland Computer