I have no expertise whatever when it comes to Apple hardware and software, other than an entrenched attitude "It's different from what I'm used to, so it can't be any good."

That said, my experience in parallel situations (not necessarily computer related) is that you will never regret going the more expensive route if that gets you what you really want. A year from now you won't miss that extra $1,000 (or whatever) and you won't be filled with "shoulda coulda" self recriminations.

tanstaafl.