Something else to consider when we are talking longevity. Upgrading RAM is usually the only thing you can do on a notebook other than the hard drive. If you look here at the apple store
http://store.apple.com/ca/memorymodel/ME_15_306_MBP
You'll see that the 8gig upgrade is almost $900
Check out memory express for PC RAM
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...)/Default.aspx
And voila half price RAM! as far as the crappy windows photo editing software goes, you're right on that one... however if you are planning on getting the bamboo pad anyways it comes with Photoshop Elements which I use and am VERY happy with it.