[Goater]

Do you really need a 17" screen - especially if you are using external monitors? If not, the macbook (rather than the higher end macbookpro) is much better value (approx $1500 with reasonably comparable specs, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB memory, 120GB hard drive).

Also, dont forget the large amount of great software that you get pre installed with the mac - and none of the rubbish you get with other computers.

All in all though... if its just for poker, maybe a mac isnt the best choice - but im sure you wouldnt regret one if you did buy eventually.