prefacing this with i use pc's linux and windows, and only own an ipod, however being the guy my freinds go to for tech advice this is what i do tell them about apple products
they make good products for the most part... from a purely hardware perspective you get less, but they always have polish, they use usually well made and feel good. i tend to sterr the less tech savy to them, if you can't install a program or a driver for a device then by all means get a mac, if you have the money to spare, you plug in a camera and it installs everythign for you and all you do is pull your pics off of it, btu the price for this convenience is a clsoed box experience... but for mos tthe people i'd lead in that direction thats what i'd really want them using.
if you can install your own drivers, and install your own programs; or don't have the cash then ge ta pc, more open, more power for the dollar, albeit if you go to dell or another preboxed pc you will not be getting good internal parts, btu its cheaper and usually you get better hardware than some of the mid grade macs for less thna the lowest end mac...
its personal prefrance and people are free to choose, looks like more people are choosing mac, and i'm ok with that as long as my pc hardware isn't affected