The OS wars are in full swing. Apple, traditionally the computing platform of choice for hipsters and creative types, is beginning to creep its way into the mainstream and out from under Windows' far-reaching shadow.

 

According to research firm IDC, Apple's notebook sales increased by a whopping 42 percent between the second quarter of 2006 and the second quarter of 2007, resulting in a steady 8.8 percent hold on the market. This sudden boon is undoubtedly due to the halo effect of the iPod, Apple's killer television spots, the OS X operating system's reputation for being secure, and the businesses' and consumers' mixed feelings in regards to Windows Vista.

 

With the increasing popularity of the MacBook and MacBook Pro in mind, we decided to pick the brains of former Vista owners who made the jump to OS X to understand why they made the switch. Just to keep things balanced, we also tapped an ex-Mac user who decided to jump to Vista. Here's what they had to say about their experiences with both operating systems.