I think both Apple and Thinkpad are good computers.

The problems with the Vista operating system actually make the Apple more desirable at this time.

I do think that your choises for Apple are more limited you go from a 13 inch model for about $1,000 to a 15 inch model for about $2,000.

My 15 inch Thinkpad is not a powerful as the Apple or a top end Thinkpad however for Word and Excel it has more than enough power.

In the end you can't go wrong with ether one (as long as you avoid Vista).