What exactly are your needs? If you just need a computer to perform basic functions like Web surfing or word processing, it might be hard to justify buying a Mac. There are plenty of PC choices out there that are less expensive. The relative value of a Mac or PC really depends on the consumer's needs. For many, software development has to be done in a powerful desktop machine, and that might be true if what you are developing requires it. However, if you are a software developer building web apps or phone apps then you don’t really need that much hardware power. Macs do seem popular with the trendy people, but I don't think they are appropriate for everybody. For example, AutoCAD doesn't run on a Mac, so if you were going to do engineering or drafting or any other program that included the use of AutoCAD, I say go with a PC. And remember, you’ll probably end up using the laptop for things other than software development, you should also consider getting a laptop that you’ll enjoy even when not coding, and more importantly, a laptop with a great keyboard, you’ll do a lot of typing!