I will hold "full" opinion about MAC's to myself (there is a reason that MAC only occupies 10% of the market), but I will say that anything a MAC can do, a PC can do better, and Linux system can do best.

STAY AWAY FROM HP!

Your best solution is to find someone who can build you a computer to do what you want within your budget. I don't like places like Dell or HP because they put so many "brand specific" parts inside that if something happens, your stuck buying from them (like buying car parts from a dealer rather than O'reilly or AutoZone).

Besides, supporting your local computer shop supports small business America.. something we need more of! (DELL customer support comes from India....)