Right. Whatever.
The topic of this thread was pretty clearly spelled out. It is turning into another stupid Windows this as opposed to Mac that. I really don't need it. I have worked professionally on both systems in real tough high volume design and prepress environments and the bottom line is as it has always been that Windows machines irregardless of the version, both OS and hardware, just don't last as long or work as trouble free as Macs. Period.

I bought a Mac IIci 16 years ago and it lasted 13 years. It had its limits ans systems go but it was worked hard for all that time. Even when it no longer had the juice I needed to do digital imagery, I used it for word processiong, print serving, faxing and internet browsing. I bought a more powerful less expensive Windows Box and it lasted half as long.

The 8600 I have now is maybe 10 years old. It is old and has issues but it still works where the New Windows machine I bought to replace that first one has been dead for several years. That one was never replaced. If I was working I would buy even the cheapest Mac, the Mini, and feel quite confident I had a system that would last me and work right for a long time. In fact not only would it do its job with the OS but I could also stress myself out (if I so chose) by launching side-by-side Windows and convert files and textures until I turn cathode ray green!

As I said my current computer is dying and giving me problems because It is old and slow and I am frustrated having to work on it. It has issues as mentioned but it still works but, it won't let me install a version of an OS that it was not designed to work with.The Dell laptop did. If what you say is true why does the OS actually work on it? If  Windows 2000 Pro wasn't designed to work on that old a system it should not be working at all. Stupid OS? Stupid system.?  Or maybe there is more going on here.
I don't know and neither did any of the other "professors" of Windows".
So much for the intelligence of Windows. My laptop still doesn't work that is all I know. Period.

Windoze? No thanks. I have enough stress in my life I do not want to add more by forcing myself out of some misguided "need" to have a more updated system, and buying a Windows box. In fact though I have been out of work for over a year now, if I see a position is open I am qualified for but I would have to commute 1.5 to 2 hours to be stuck working my ass off on a Windows system...I just don't apply. That is how strongly I feel about Windows. And the more I hear Windows users Kvetch about all the problems they have with their systems and the more I recall the last 15+ years having had the same problems, and the more times I trip over that nice case with my fairly useless DELL Laptop in it, the less I want to comply and buy.

Buy the Best and funk the rest. Macs Rule....if you can afford one!  :)

With that I will bid you good night!