Yes. I would recommend buying a Macbook, but not just any Macbook, take the Macbook PRO line.

I feel qualified saying this because I own(ed):

1) Dell PC -- 15" (doesn't even stay charged and will shut off in the middle of doing something with a total power cut after 3 hours.. it's really unstable right now and unpredictable. I'm going to have to smash it, I can't even sell that piece of junk)

2) Toshiba -- 15" (Sold it)

3) Sony Vaio -- 16" (my "main" PC)

4) HP Mini 1000 -- I liked it, but it was too small to work on all the time, so I sold it

5) Macbook 13" regular (I loathe using it, so I keep it at my parents for a just in case computer)

6) Macbook 15" Pro (this is my go-to, all-time, use-it-constantly computer now, ever since I installed MS Office)

7) Macbook Air 11" -- This is my new travel laptop and I find it a tad heavy, but I am willing to trade that off for its solidly built body.

8) iPad -- yes I also own a tablet which I use as an e-reader, video whatever, and PDF thing.. I think I have a post coming up some day on this.

In addition, BF owns 2 PCs, the whole range of Macbook Pros in all the sizes (don't ask), a Macbook Air, an iPad, etc.. he too, has had plenty of experience with PCs and Macs and would recommend a Mac.

Now, onto the Macs:

I own a regular Macbook which was cheaper (I was poor and in debt without a laptop/computer!), but am thoroughly disappointed in its plastic body and its flimsy keys (I think one shifted and is kind of acting wonky).

I now own a Macbook Pro, and the aluminum body makes a huge difference, as it is sturdier and feels much better than their cheaper line.

It obviously always depends on what you do with your computer, but as an English grad student, I am assuming you would use MS Word a lot.

You can buy the suite for the Macbook Pro and you will never want to go back to a PC again except for things that you bought for the PC and don't want to re-purchase for a Mac (Adobe Photoshop is an example of a pricey bit of software).

Other pros of using a Macbook over a PC:

1) It doesn't overheat and have computer fan troubles all the damn time.

I own a Sony Vaio (top of the line), a Dell and I used to have a Toshiba.

THEY ALL turned really hot and used to run the fans constantly in a loud whooshing noise, even if I was working on a desk, in the middle of a cool season (not even summer!)

Side note: I also owned a small HP 1000 Mini which I liked, but the screen was too small for me to work on it daily (I sold it to a dear friend for cheap).

2) It is simple to figure out. Windows is way more flexible if you like to play with the background settings and coding, and do other fun geeky things, but ultimately, the Apple computer has ONE button for Settings and it is clear WTF it is used for

3) Almost all the programs I need for my life are on a Macbook platform except for Adobe Photoshop which I am about to buy, so I can just get rid of my PC altogether and give it to my dad who has been hinting for one.

4) I have never had a Macbook die on my yet, but that Dell I mentioned above? Bit the dust no less than 3 years after I bought it. That Macbook I bought at around 4 years ago? STILL GOING STRONG. It isn't sexy, kind of heavy compared to the new models and whatever, but it STILL WORKS... amazing.

5) I really loathe Windows. Did I mention that?

6) The sound clarity and the video quality is excellent on the Macbooks, especially with their anti-glare screens.

7) When the Macbook operating system does things like.. oh.. downloading a file for example, it gives you an approximate time that is quite accurate. On a PC, it might say: 30 seconds, and you're there 2 minutes later, still waiting for it to download. Basically, they just didn't code that shizz properly in the background on a PC and on a Macbook, they did a more accurate job of deciding how long it might take for something to transfer.

CONS of using a Macbook over a PC

1) Lack of a wide range of programs -- not all programs are Mac & PC friendly, usually they are just PC friendly

2) Sometimes the Macbook can bug. It doesn't happen often, but it surprises me when it does but it's nothing compared to the way a PC bugs and slows down

3) Hard drives and USB keys are tricky on a Macbook.. if you switch between a PC and Mac like I do, you might end up having to own 2 sets of keys and hard drives to back up your work, and so on. You can always format any key to be Mac-friendly but it may not have password protections that were available if it was used with a PC

4) Not everything runs and plays well with a Mac. Especially at client sites and with their systems/servers...

I hope that was detailed enough to sway you to a Macbook Pro. I honestly think it will be a good purchase and totally worth it. If you can't afford the 15" Macbook Pro, and are on a tight budget, look at the 13" Macbook Pro, but try and avoid the lower end line, you will thank me later when you realize the plastic body is not that great and makes a difference in how it holds up in the long run.

If traveling/carrying/back problems are your problem as well, I suggest looking at a Macbook Air 13". It won't be as fast or as amazing as a Macbook Pro 13" (no CD slot for instance), but it is quite portable for its quality and range of size.. plus it has backlit keyboards! (*jealous* :P)