Laptop....

If money is not a problem choose a mac. Started using them 6 years ago, for music. I have since used it for my photography work.
It is a million types easier to use, quicker and better quality all round. The software is quicker to load and if you are just using it for photography or any other media with the odd 'home' use the Mac is the way to go.
MacBookPro is the best one and most of my fellow togs have one.

I've been in a local retailer today having a play with some IMac desktops and I am very impressed. Aside from the operating system which does seem to be a lot less complex and a lot quicker, I was very impressed with the quality and clarity of the screens. I also liked the IPhoto software package. Getting quite drawn into Macs but don't know whether Imac or Macbook is the way forward. I do think the 24" screen would be handy for photo work though....

Vista is resource hungry but handles the memory better. having said that i'm sticking with XP on the PC because I simply don't like vista. It reminds me of windows ME compared to '98

I have used Macs for years and if you can afford it i would say go for a mac. The only reason I went for an upgraded PC was because I have so much PC software. When this baby dies I will be going back to a mac. Speed is really not much of an issue with PC's these days. But there is something solid and reliable about a mac. Yes they can freeze and yes there are a handful of viruses but compared to the PC the mac sings a better tune.
I'm running quad core processors and 4 gig of RAM. My mates Mac still runs smoother, not faster but smoother. No hang ups and the machines are pure eye candy !! yum yum.