Are macs worth the extra$

It depends on what you want to do really,the main difference is the OS,and OS X has less bugs than windows and a better GUI but in terms of customizations and softwareS windows is ahead

Less bugs, better gui?

The first I don't know about, can't remember the last time windows has a reproducable bug for me.

Better GUI is subjective as although I have never gotten round to using it I have not heard many people other than the OMFG mac's rule crowd actually go mad about it. Perhaps I should get round to looking at it as I can get access to one.

Paying hundreds of (insert currency here) more for an OS, I wouldn't.

Personally, I don't use macs on principle rather than any particular physical reason. If I can click something that opens a program that is enough of an interface for me.

To me, thick plastic (like that on most notebooks) is a better material than aluminum. It may be more flexible, but how often do you bend your notebook? Plastic doesn't scratch (unless it's glossy..why manufacturers insist on making things we use every day glossy is beyond me) and doesn't dent. Aluminum is also a conductor of heat and electricity, while plastic is not. Plastic isn't going to burn your lap. I've seen more dented macbooks than I can count, and even several that no longer close due to the chassis being bent.

I agree with Shadow703793 theres not really any reason id want to buy a mac, anything a mac can do, a pc can do cheaper with more options.

It's true that aluminum is heat conductive. But, as far as I'm aware , I have yet to hear somebody lap got burned from using it. Like you said, it probably dent from accidental exertion of force but it won't crack like plastic. And from the look of the unibody, I don't think it is painted. So there would be no paint wear out in wrist area like it would on plastic. Anyway, I think it's good idea for OP to take a trip to shops like Bestbuy and get the first hand experience. Individual opinions might not reflect his needs.

I don't use macs as well because i am happy with windows but if you compare them side by side apple has less bugs and its reason is that windows has way more customizations and apps and that's why OS X has less bugs than Win,but yes for me i have seen some few bugs with Win7 but they are not much and not annoying

you can customize a laptop from a barebone kit (yeah its not much choice)

though i will say oops for not noticing the laptop subforum

Having a better GUI is subjective. You can't accurately rank the two. I can't find a damn thing in OS X, and I've used it for a few years - having used Windows all my life is the culprit. This can flip flop for different people...everyone will react differently to a different layout.

Windows 7 hosts lots of additional features that rival Expose (but honestly, I never found any of those 'find this on your desktop' features useful...the task bar makes things pretty easy to find). Again, it's a matter of opinion, not facts.

I agree on integration, though - Apple has control over all the hardware, and, thus, the drivers for them usually come out pretty flawless and crash-free. Microsoft can't duplicate that without some serious backlash. But, the hardware choice is the tradoff. Apples to Oranges.

Well you said "That is anecdotal unless any firm facts are available. " so that's why i posted from a trusted site

About the bugs,well i tested that myself with my friend's iMAC,i ran in to some Minor little bugs in Win7 which most were fixed but didn't have any bugs with Snow Leopard however as i said i haven't ran to any serious bug in W7 either