It would help to know what you intend to do with your computer.
Your primary work application, hobbies etc.
Now with multi-boot capabilities, your software choices are pretty much unlimited.
Even so, you still need to select the right hardware based on your primary goals.
General Office, Project Management, Presentations, Audio/Video, Science and Math, Graphics and Design, Photography, Gaming etc.
While Apple Hardware provides you with the maximum in flexibilty, the
Mac OSX operating system provides unrivaled security, far less maintenance, ease of use and stability, which all contribute to greater productivity and enjoyment of your computing experience.