I need a notebook for basic college work and internet use. I will also store pics and music (but not an insane amount). In the summer, I may be traveling abroad w/ it on my back, but not for sure(so weight is a consideration but not a priority). My budget is about $1500.
I like a lot of things about Mac and it would be simple to just go the apple store and get it over with. But, I much more familiar w/ using a PC and may find a better deal, since apple never really offers sales the way other brands do. What do you reckon?
Any reccomendations for me? Thanks!

Like for everything in life, if you just want to save money and settle for an inferior product you should go for a PC. but you seem to have a decent budget available and if you want quality a Mac is your choice. And I am not just talking about the quality of the simple components; a mac is far superior in every aspect: aestetics, design, ease of use and down to the smallest details. I also like saving money but using a PC for me is such an annoying experience when I realize how much smarter and efficiently things are designed on a Mac. A really different user experience. Sure someone compares it to the iPod, because when you use an iPod you witness the same quality of design for the best user experience down to the smallest detail.
You can run xp on mac now.
Basically, Macs are excellent for what Mac says they are. If you’re editing movies or music, go with a Mac. If you’re used to an ‘IBM’ in general Mac will let you down.( at least, this is my opinion as some friends of mine got a mac and, in my opinion, like a oversized ipod) Like this. If you get a mac might as well buy all the other mac stuff that’s made to go with it, and only it.
I got my Dell Laptop for a small under 1,000 and it’s fantastic, plus it’s easily and cheaply upgradable if you so wish.
Excellent luck!