i feel like the op is running us through circles...
go to an apple store and ask a rep these questions. he'll show you everything you need to know, give you information on the computers that would be perfect for everything you do, and tell you all about the rebates and what you can do with them.
most of the reps that work there are probably slightly a tad less loserish than you're describing to us (for reasons i do not know), and will probably let you know about their favorite porn site they like to visit on their mac.
its a win-win-win for us, you, and them.
At Best Buy, they have an area where Apple people help the customers. I wanted to take a closer look at the macbook but I didn't because I hate having people over my shoulder. I wonder what he would say if I told him I'm considering a Mac cause I ruined my other PC's from porn sites. I wonder if he has heard that story before.