OK, amigo, here's a serious answer from a mac-based support guy.
Yes.
The laptop will run Wintel Apps in a couple of ways...
1) Cross Platform apps. Applications like MS Word, Excel, and various forms of productivity and game software will run on both Mac and Wintel platforms. It may simply be a matter of buying the right version.
2) Emulation. Virtual PC is a fine little application that I used for many years to test PowerPoint presentations for our client (Windows using bankers) to make sure all worked as it ought to on either platform.
3) Necessity. One man I work with, he does some basic image editing, but not a lot. Instead of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements ($500/$125), he uses Graphic Converter ($49), which does the job.
The main concern you need to have is what she'll be using it FOR. If it's productivity in an MS based world, the Mac will run her Apps (MS Office). If it's games, the Mac will run games. If it's serious, my-life-revolves-around-my-high-score-in-Half-Life gaming, go PC.
If it's high end photography, in my side business as a DJ, I work with two or three iBook packing Digital Photographers. Mac works great.
Now, some advice: if you do go Mac, don't use the catalogs (macmall, macconnection) for PARTS. They'll give you a decent price and good service (usually) on big ticket items that they can't control (high end hardware and software), but they'll try to gouge you on stuff like RAM and Hard Drives, which are the same in a mac as they are in any PC.
Anecdotally, I know a couple photographers personally, who use and love the platform, simply because 'it works'. And, visually inclined people tend to like the design of the package, as well.
Good luck in your purchase.
Nope, no series games. Just a few games from the internet. Her primary purpose is Office apps, surfing, and photos. Besides, if the Mac won't do what she needs (And I doubt that it won't), I'll buy her a different laptop.