I used to tinker quite a bit - more from necessity than preference. It wound up turning into a job. Now I'm a Linux guy. It does everything I need it to do. I don't have to do much tinkering at all w/ the systems I opt for using myself. The procedure is pretty straightforward at this point.

1. Check online to make sure install is a snap. I hate chasing down driver issues. I also become annoyed w/ non-functioning hardware.

2. Install some flavor of *buntu. "sudo apt-get install" the apps I like.

3. Make dinner.

I can't see spending the dough on the pretty hardware (Mac), and I've developed a distaste for Microsoft. Given the disposable nature of IT gear, I can't see spending much dough on it. Of course, I should be grateful for MS. If everyone used Mac or Linux, I'd likely have a harder time finding work.