HP Envy17 Series(maybe 3D) or the Apple MacBook Pro 17"

I Need help deciding between the HP Envy17 Series(maybe 3D) or the Apple MacBook Pro 17" bc I am in the market to buy my first Laptop... and I have always been a Desktop Windows girl.

I originally posted this (and is still there) under Apple but I thought since this also includes HP, I'd put it here too bc this is time sensitive.

Anyway...

As for staying with what I know... I really like the HP ENVY17 Series BUT I don't like that I have to pick between the 3D or not bc each has different features that I want or don't want in the same laptop. Little things like I like the volume control on the non-3D but I like the case of the 3D. I am also concerned that getting the 3D model and not utilizing it's 3D capabilities is a waste and could it or does it affect the big picture in regards to viewing or staring at it for hours? AND I can load up on the HP for the $$ whereas the MacBook Pro 17" is limited for the $$ but seems to cost around the same!?!?

If that isn't frustrating enough for me I also am re-entering the Graphic Design Industry after taking a 5 yr break to work in Health Care (don't ask me why) after working as a Graphic Designer for 10yrs prior. So... my whole Graphic Design experience has been Windows (Desktop) based with programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, PageMaker, MS Office (mainly Word, Excel, Outlook). I also used to design web sites via good ol HTML and I would like to get back into that. I just started school (18 credits) of classes to help me get back into the market and refresh my portfolio.

So the main reason I am even considering a Mac is bc my professors are saying to get a Mac and that's all we use in school. BUT I am only taking Graphic Design classes right now and when I asked the professor if a Mac was good in regards to web site development or even other types of programming - she said she didn't know bc she was only a Graphic Designer. So any thoughts on which is better for Graphic Design (I know Mac) but also coupled w web site design / development and possibly other types of programming - the Apple MacBook Pro 17" or HP Envy17 Series(maybe 3D)???

I also need this laptop to keep up like my desktop machine that I built does bc I will be handing off this machine and replacing it with this laptop and I'm on my machine ALL the time with programs running like Photoshop 7.0, iTunes, Excel (6 doc are open right now), Word (3 docs are open right now), FireFox and Explorer with many tabs open in each, e-mail, and folders all open and running at the same time. And with upgrading means I will also be upgrading my software as I now need CS5.5 and Office and I know I could get buy w my old office but I must upgrade my Photoshop 7.0 to CS5.5 - which is yet another expense I have to consider! Regardless, the laptop must also be able to run CS5.5 and all the other programs and whatnot that I mentioned. So which would be better for that - the Apple MacBook Pro 17" or HP Envy17 Series(maybe 3D)???

I would also like to know anyone's thoughts reg. Anti-Virus software. I am currently using ESET NOD32 as I am a big believer (and as a Windows user - much needed) in keeping my machine safe. With that being mentioned... what, if any, Anti-Virus software is recommended for the MacBook Pro or are they super-safe as they are proclaimed to be???

Size is also an issue bc with the HP Envy I can have a SSHD for the OS and Adobe software and then have 2 other HD's like I have now on my desktop machine. I could save some more $$ and get with only 2 HD's 1 for the OS and Adobe software and then have an external HD where I can archive things bc with the Mac I have the option of only one HD and for what I get for the $$ I think isn't good and I will have no choice but to have external HD's - so which route would be better - - the Apple MacBook Pro 17" or HP Envy17 Series(maybe 3D)???

I also downloaded a 30-day trial of InDesign CS5.5 as I need that for a few of my classes this semester. With that being mentioned, I am looking to purchase one of the Suite editions... such as I can get the Master suite for $899 w my student discount (norm $2599) But do I need all that? and if in the future I find that I do not need all of them - can get updates for only the programs I used within the Master Collection?
(I will also be posting this part on Adobe's site)


So... I am basically new to laptops and to Mac's as well. I will spend the money if it's a good investment but I am not sure which is - the Apple MacBook Pro 17" or HP Envy17 Series(maybe 3D)???


Thanks in Advance...