and how much money would i save by going with it?

the macbook i'm looking at:
# 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
# 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x1GB
# 250GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

would cost 1848 with the warranty (and before tax). could i get the same quality with another brand for 1000 or so? this is my first laptop so i'm not really sure which direction to go.

You can get a Dell Latitude E6400 for about $1400 or so with similar specs. Build quality is the same, if not better, and parts are one hell of a lot cheaper and more available.

You can also get a Thinkpad T-series or Dell Precision with similar specs for <$1400 dollars.

hmm... i really like how cohesive macs seem to be... for 400 dollar savings? should i just get the macbook?

hmm... i really like how cohesive macs seem to be... for 400 dollar savings? should i just get the macbook?

NO

While not wanting to start a little mac vs PC war. Macs are over priced and once you have them everything (hardware) costs more for upgrades. Not to mention their shitty warranty.

RDP

You can get a Dell Latitude E6400 for about $1400 or so with similar specs. Build quality is the same, if not better, and parts are one hell of a lot cheaper and more available.

I paid the same for my macbook (of equal specs) in June. I bought my mom a macbook for christmas (of slightly better specs) for 200 dollars less than you just quoted...

actually with the student discount it's $1,682, if that changes anything.

I'm confused, do you mean in terms of spec (in which case any third world computer will do) or in terms of integration of software and hardware, build quality and design?

If all you want is a really fast laptop, start with a wooden crate, add components and attach a monitor with duct-tape.

In terms of integration of software to provide a better mobile experience, the best attempt I've seen so far is the EEE PC with Xandros.

If OSX is important to you I suggest you check out the cracked OSX distros.

Anybody know the best non-apple laptop to run OSX86 on?