I made the leap a few years ago with much hesitation over the same issues. Glad I did, I'll never own anything again with Microsoft anything. The only program I need Windows to run is logbook pro, so I installed VMware Fusion. Allows you to run Windows in it's own window. I use an old version of XP in it. Sadly my Apple runs Windows better an any Dell or HP I've owned.

Granted there are some generic computer makers that can build a laptop/desktop for 300-500 bucks that probably work "fine" but my Apples are worth every cent. I have a 4 year old macbook that runs like the day I bought it.