I used to have Vista and it's true mine used to crash alot. I have Windows 7 and love it.
Mac is not bad but the reason I don't buy Mac is because there stuff is not compatible with other programs. If you buy Mac you will have to use only their programs which are more expensive.
I don't know how much you need a computer and for what. But there so many options out there for you. I love laptops and I'm on the lookout for a lighter, smaller one for school. There's also a netbook which is a smaller version of a laptop but you can't watch movies in there
The notebook is good for games, reading but not if you really need to type. Now there are keyboards made for notebooks now so you might want to check that out.