I'd like to do a comparison here: The fastest 17" MBP vs a comparitively priced 17" clevo D900C (currently fastest PC based laptop)
I'm basing the budget at +$2500 since this seems to be the norm for a high-range mac vs a high-end PC. Let alone, while both laptops can probably perform tasks at the same performance level, the MBP is a multi-purpose entertainment/professional laptop, while the clevo D900C is a gaming/desktop replacement. However both are well capable of handiling tasks such as audio/video editing and graphic intensive apps as well.
Here we go:
Apple MPB: configured at apple.com
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 800MHz FSB
1680 x 1050 pixels
2GB memory 667 FSB
160GB hard drive
8x double-layer SuperDrive
802.11N
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM
Price: $2,799.00
Clevo D900C configured at RJTech.net
17" WSXGA
NVIDIA 7950 GTX with 512MB SDRAM
C2D E6600 2.4 ghz 1066 FSB
2 GB Corsair DDR2 667
80 GB SATA 5400 rpm
802.11N
DVD/CDR - dual layer
Express Card Slot (MS/MSduo/ect.)
Win XP Home
1 Year Warranty
Price: $2,619
Now, some things are obvious. The MBP has a bigger HDD, while the Clevo has a faster processor and gfx card. The MPB is lighter while the Clevo actually does run cooler - it has 4 fans on the bottom and vents on the back (and is also quite silent so i've read). Also another big factor is ports. MPB sports 1 - 6pin firewire400 and firewire800 (on the same bus mind you) and 2 USB 2.0 while the Clevo sports 2 - 4pin firewire400 and 4 USB 2.0. The Clevo also has a better screen with the WSXGA compared to the MBP WXGA.
Viruses? Meh, free versions of AVG and Zone Alarm have always kept my PC well protected without hogging resources. Besides, I don't download pr0n or open every single eMail in my hotmail account.
DX10? Well, as soon as NVIDIA releases 8700m/8800m, these will be an option in the D900C, plus the graphics module is MXMIV which makes them upgradable.
Oh yes, the D900C also has the abillity to have 3 internal HDDs and 2 graphics cards in SLI - however setting the price at about $3500.
Add 3 yr apple care to the MPB and you have close to $3000.
Also one final note, clevo is also releasing a Santa Rosa based laptop, simularly configured to the D900C, however lighter and thinner, with just as much power, and within the $2300-$2500 range - the m570ru.
I guess what really needs to be looked at is what do you NEED out of a laptop. Do you have OSX based software, or Windows based software? Do you need 4 usb ports or 2, Do you need intense graphics cards, or a mid-range one.