You buy a Mac with the OS so I don't see where Linux saves you any money there. If you can find powerful open-source apps to do what you need Linux might be a better bet, but bear in mind that OSX is a true UNIX OS.

Anyway, I know what I choose, and why. I have avoiided uncountable hours of suffering and cursing by being a Mac user and I think I'll continue as one. I love 'em. Their design and attention to workability in both h/w and s/w speaks to my very soul. I use Wintel systems all the time, but I will never (unless there are dramatic changes) buy one.

A