The Macs look great, but I don't want to have to deal with the Apple beta software allowing use of Windows on a Mac, and I don't want to even think about learning how to use Apple software and the Apple OS. I already have about 10 different photography software programs and plug-in manuals sitting on my desk waiting for my attention! I still have my desktop, which has performed very well.
I am buying my Dell from a former Intel microprocessor inventor who has gone into the business of upgrading and selling refurbished Dell machines at a very reasonable price. For $1485 shipped, I am getting a spotless M60 with 2GB of Ram, 2GHz processor, a WUXGA 1900x1200 screen, a 120GB 5400 hard drive, DVD burner, etc. and lots of software (he is also installing some of my software for free, and includes an additional one-year warranty over the Dell Complete Care warranty that expires next year). He has gotten rave reviews by Ebay buyers, and has been incredible to deal with so far (he has sent me multiple long emails about different configurations I might want, the advantages of different processors, etc. and has helped me cut out costs relating to non-essentials). I also have a second 19 inch lcd monitor at home which I can hook the laptop to when I want a bigger screen.
If I was starting all over, I would go with a Mac, but I have so much invested in PC harware and software it doesn't make sense to me. Believe it or not, I have had multiple PCs over the last several years (including 3 right now), and have never had a hard drive fail, although I know it's a matter of time - hence I have backups.
Thanks to all for the advice.
Peter