Windows or Mac OS X for PT DAW

I'm in the process of upgrading my entire DAW setup: computer, interface, etc. I initially picked the Mac because I've read that they have a smoother learning curve and are basically easier to use, without having to perform nearly as much optimization compared to a Mac.



I'd stay with a Mac, no question, if it didn't have such limited compatibility with software other than audio production. I'm familiar with the Parallels software, but buying this, as well as the Windows OS, is a pretty large financial setback.



My main question is how reliable a Windows machine is, w/ PT, compared to a Mac. Is the price point the same when using the same specs, or as similar as the can get given the two separate OS's.



If I was to get a MacBook Pro, it would be:

• 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7


• Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz


• 16GB 1600MHz memory


• 256GB PCIe-based flash storage1


• Intel Iris Pro Graphics

What Brand/Model of Windows based laptops can run PT as well as the Mac listed above? Basically, I'd like to have the opportunity to play certain video games and maybe other Windows specific programs.. while avoiding the extra cash needed for Parallels and Windows OS systems (as mentioned above for Mac compatibility).





Thanks,

-Adam