If you are computer savvy and know what you want, then a PC is was better choice and less expensive desktop choice. If not, then a MAC is like an appliance and the better choice for you, though I have had my share of issues with MAC OS and software as well.
My preference is a PC for desktop and a MacBook for a laptop. Since you can't really customize or tailor a laptop very much, and the MacBook Pro's and Air's have excellent build quality, the laptop choice is a no-brainer to me (I think an Windows laptop of equivalent build quality is nearly as costly).