If you want the flexibility of PC software.. The Mac mini has the ability to boot in windows.. Current Mac mini, with an intel chip.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/
So all of your Program frustrations are null. Run any PC app natively.
Yes Macs are awesome.
Here is info on the new intel macs.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...6&nclm=Macmini
And a little hint, if you want some cash off the mini, there is a little thing called an education discount, to the right hand side of the screen on that page above.... Just pick your state and school... yes even if you don't go to school. Shhhh.....