There is a very good reason to use Macs, if in the arts.
I've used Windows and Macs, although most of my experience with the latter, thankfully. My brief impression of Windows as an OS was of generally second-rate software always a step behind Apple, and rarely if ever as creative or intuitive. That last word is key.
In doing graphic design work professionally, I worked exclusively on Macs. Our entire office did, save for one Windows machine the office manager used occasionally, only because of one piece of accounting software. In my case, and my contention, that those dealing in the arts in some way just want what they want as seamlessly and simply as possible. I know some Mac fanboys are total geeks, really into the specs and tweaking the hardware to their individual content. So my opinion is not universal, but I could care less. I just want a computer to do what I want as easily as possible. In my experience Apple is best at providing this experience, in offering products that are quite intuitive. That can help anyone, but particularly those of us wired a certain way, with the vision of what we would like to accomplish, but little patience for or understanding of how a computer manifests it.
Having long since forsaken Windows, I can only assume that they are capable of most tasks a Mac would do. In certain fields Windows was stronger due software, if nothing else; my understanding hardcore gamers still often prefer Windows for both software and hardware. But in music, design, etc., the equation shifts, and it is likely the Mac enjoys an advantage in software, aside from ease of its implementation. Moreover, you will surely find a predominance of Mac use in such fields. There is a reason why.
It does not hurt, of course, that Apple excels at beautiful industrial design. I value that. Most of all in how it works, and results derived, but if one is sensible to such things then a decided advantage that the marriage between form and function well done. There can be status as well, but that should be the least of your concerns. The better reason to pay the price premium Apple always commands is because you will have the computer best fitting your needs. If not perfect, the Mac OSX is so elegant that it can be easily learned and adopted. Believe it. Photoshop, for instance, will run on either platform, but one rarely lives entirely within one program for the duration of a day. In the many different areas and tasks one deals with the Mac should prove just more pleasant, more intuitive, thus easier, and likely productive as well.
Try them all if wishing, but choose the system you will be happiest with at the end of the day. No matter what anyone else says, the one happiest with today, next year, and in due loyalty probably ten years hence.
