That was the recommendation by my niece and nephew but they are both medical professionals so their needs are greater than mine.
With that being said, is it safe to assume that even the most basic Apple computer would exceed what I'm currently using my computer for? And how difficult is the learning curve in using an Apple?
The cheapest thing you can find (Apple or PC) is going to exceed your needs. Honestly, your existing hardware is probably much more powerful than you need, unless you're short on memory.
Oh yes, if all you wish to do is browse the web, email, webchat, draw on your computer and then print it out along with other things like greeting cards, spreadsheets, and documents, then yes, an Apple will do quite well for you.
More expensive than a PC, however. That being said, Newegg is always having a sale on refurb HP business machines that can do all of that and more, for less than 200 dollars, and if you wish you can install and dual-boot Linux to get even more mileage out of your machine.
A bit more of a learning curve than with the Apple option, but then again every time you have “upgraded” from one Windoze version to the next you have had to re-learn how to use your computer all over again so it is not all that difficult if people have been doing it for years now.
Simply depends upon your ultimate useage for the machine. For most people, browsing, emailing, and occasionally printing are all they really require their machines for.