Jason,
Except for his paying too much for what he got, he did not make a mistake. If
all he intends to do is have a utilitarian WP type of setup and does not intend
to expand or to delve into the finer points of computer using then his purchase
was a sound one.
If, however, he intends to Get Serious about his computer, he will soon
discover that the Mac will devour a large portion of his income with lip
smacking relish and still leave him unsatisfied.
The most important consideration in purchasing a computer is 'will it do what
I want to do with it?' Then comes the shopping around for the least expensive
system. The mistake most make is forgetting the _second_ most important
decision, 'Will it grow as I do, without bankrupting me?'
The Mac is a very nice computer, being very easy to use in day to day
computer chores. It is when the time comes to do those 'abnormal' things that
you friend may regret his purchase. Just remind him that he may one day go
beyond simply using what's there.
Doug