".. what about the limited software titles? even if you dont use a mac for what everyone suggests it be used for, (graphics) is it really that much better than a pc for things like word processing? database management? can you make it into an sql server or hack out visual basic, c++? " Have a look at the c++ development tools available (for 25 dollars rom Apple) and your eyes will pop out I promise you.....There is enough software available and with OS X which is based on FreeBSD you can do things windoze users arent even dreaming of - no kidding OS X is amazing