I'll tell you... it's hard not to get seduced by Apple hardware even if you know about the shady practices the company engages in. In comparison to most PC hardware (except for MS produced Surface PCs), Apple computers really look amazing from the outside. Most PC laptops feel plasticky compared to the solid aluminum builds of a MacBook. Because of this, Apple hardware can be very appealing to those who are either tired of Windows 10's occasional hiccups or want something that doesn't look like a standard PC laptop or tower.
But, Apple tries hard to prevent the end users from repairing their own Macs (and by extension independent repair shops) and how it's making upgradability all but impossible on most of their models sans the bank-breaking $6,000 Mac Pro. But as I have mentioned before, I do like macOS itself and the outer hardware is at least well built using those unibody aluminum cases. The internals are a different story as explored by Apple critics like Louis Rossman and even Apple's own design choices. Remember the "butterfly" keyboards?
Relating to my recent trip to Best Buy, I was looking at two different computers. The first was a MacBook Pro, the newest model with the old "scissor" keyboard. I'll admit the much touted LCD Touch Bar looks really cool, and the base specs were rather decent if you don't mind messing around with external storage. But then that is where the "form over function" problems come in. The newest MBPs don't have USB-A ports anymore.... only three USB-C. This means you'll need an adapter or dock for connecting standard USB flash drives or, well, anything else that uses normal USB. The battery can't be replaced by the user, and you'd better hope that the 8GB of soldered-on RAM will remain sufficient as the years go on. The MBP was around $2,000 USD at Best Buy for what I'd imagine is the base model.
I then took a look at a MS Surface Pro 7. The one they had on display contained an Intel Core i5 series CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The bundle even came with a Surface type cover. The price Best Buy wanted? $999, about half the price of the MBP. And MS' own PC hardware is well designed and looks rather great compared to standard offerings from the likes of HP and Dell.
I nearly got a Surface Pro that day, if it wasn't for my application for their 24 month financing not approved. I nearly went for the MBP, but before I jumped the gun, I went and looked at the Surface Pro and decided to go for that. I may see if I can get financing through MS' "Surface All Access" plan, but if not, either I'd have to get lucky with the casino, or start saving up little by little. I should have enough by the time the Surface Pro 8 comes out.
I guess what I am saying is that I can't rule out buying an Apple computer or iPad at some stage. An iPad is a more logical choice since Android tablets suffer from fragmentation and not every app is compatible with every device. There is even an app called Procreate that is only $10 and is a rather cool professional drawing program.
Then again, Autodesk has made it's Sketchbook app free of charge and you can run it on an iPad, Mac, or Windows PC.