I posted a link earlier about the OSX-x86 project... if you have legit install disks (yes, you can buy them), you can load them onto any Intel-based machine that has the SSE2 and better instruction set. The link has details as to how. You are absolutely correct in that it costs a bit more up-front for a Mac, but part-for-part, the prices are almost the same or better than a similarly-rigged Dell or HP. Also, the costs amortize better over the long run than generic PC's do - for example I still use a dual G5 that I bought used in 2004... it runs just fine, and by the time I finally start looking to get a new one for compatibility reasons (say, a year from now, though two would be mroe likely), the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for me will be roughly $400/year (assuming I replace it next year sometime). I spend way more than that on ciggies, and it represents only 1/3 of what I spend on cable television + internet connection. By contrast, a similarly-equipped Dell or HP would cost just about as much ($2000), but Vista simply will not run on most 3-year-old machines now, so I would've had to buy a new one anyway. 3 years later, same story. The funny thing is, I can buy a Mac Mini right now for $600, get $200 worth of extra RAM for it, and it would last just as long - bringing TCO down to $200/yr for a similar four-year-period. /P