is apple really that good?

[coolkid]

im thinking of buying the macbook. it looks nice and from all the reviews everybody thinks its a laptop of good quality. apple fanatics say that apple is the best and they make good laptops. they certainty make very nice looking laptops but i need more then looks. are they reliable, fast, stable. i don't play computer games. i use the computer for basic needs such as writing papers, listening to music via my itunes library, browsing the web,i want to get into video chatting with friends, you know normal stuff. so if you have one or know someone who has one can you tell if its a smart move. thank you