Thinkpads hold their value almost as well as Macs, and for good reason. For a writer, I think, a Thinkpad provides a better keyboard, but a Mac provides better software.

I considered getting the machine you did but got a good deal on a Macbook. Of course, I would have installed Linux (OpenSUSE) on it if I had.

I don't do Microsoft. I've been down that road and I won't get burned again. Plus, I need Scrivener, Garageband, and a few other Mac-only apps to do the work I have to do. A Thinkpad would be strictly a rough draft and social networking machine for me.

I believe there's a new Word for Mac coming out this year.