Considering a conversion to mac

[Vilacr]

I have recently considered buying a mac for the first time. I currently own 2 laptops (dell latitude and ibm thinkpad) and has yet to have any problems with windows or the machines. Windows 2000 runs flawlessly on these to machines. I just feel the need to try something different. Which brings me to this question. Since I would like to try a mac for the first time would any of you advise me on what system I should purchase? I was considering the imac for starters since I do not know much about the mac hardware or software. Besides my laptops I use powerfull windows machines at work to do engineering design and would like to try using a mac for some of my work. Any suggestions?