I have no need for the extra processing power. Unlike most users I go for the platform that gives me the least headaches. I'd still make the same decision that I did. Actually, I might buy the next model up. The base price for my Powerbook was $1600. I added an extra 256MB of RAM and a 802.11g card to it and had to pay VA tax on it, adding $250 to the cost. Still, I'm happy with it. It runs all of my favorite UNIX apps just fine.
Most people will never understand why some of us choose to pay more sometimes for Apple hardware. Of course these are usually the same people who complain about their no-name hardware not working right. You get what you pay for. None of my Macs have ever given me a moment's frustration. All of my PCs except my new one, which I built last night, have. Actually, I should rephrase that. All of my PCs not running BeOS have.