No doubt, some Mac users are normal humans. But the most, uh, enthusiastic of them redefine the word zealot. I keep worrying they'll offer me Kool-Aid along with the Apple.

My standard --- and heartfelt --- line has been this: Computers are just a tool. Owning a Mac won't make you smart; using a PC won't make you dumb. That's still true.

Since PCs historically have offered more computing power for the buck, I've often recommended them. My first store-bought home computer was a PC. My second was a Mac. I now use both Macs and PCs, and enjoy both. My primary computer at home is a PC. I honestly feel most comfortable while using a PC. I just do.

So it has been a spooky time for me lately. On more and more occasions I've recommended that a reader or a friend at least consider a Mac. The latest came last week in a conversation with my editor. He's a PC user and in the market for a new notebook computer. We were batting around the specifications needed for the new machine.

He had also been doing some price checking and was surprised --- based on the Mac stereotype --- that he would be able to get a Mac for about the same price as an equivalent PC. Don't get me wrong, he would still pay a bit more. But the price difference was less than $200.

As the option of a Mac became more serious, we started double-checking our thinking. As editors tend to do, he asked me a lot of questions:

"Is it fair to base speed comparisons between a Mac and a PC on the megahertz rating of the chip?"

A: No. If the two machines have identical megahertz ratings, the Mac will be faster. It's still true that you get more speed for your money with a PC, but the gap is closing. Mac enthusiasts claim the Mac actually is faster than a PC. That's just not true. Even a Mac-fanatic professional techie, who travels with rock band U2, explained to me a few weeks ago that a PC is the only choice for speed-intensive video tasks used in the production. But I do not think the speed gap is wide or significant for most uses.

"Is a Mac actually less likely to be infected by viruses and adware?"

A: Yes. Let's not argue about why right now. Instead, we can agree that most knowledgeable people believe that it is true.

"Can I use the new Mac in a home network that includes PCs?"

A: Yes. I've found it a little more difficult to set up a mixed network, but it sure is doable.

My editor has another factor to consider. If he buys a PC-type laptop now, and that's the plan, he may want the option of upgrading it when the new version of Windows, called Vista, debuts sometime next year. Moving to a new operating system can bring problems of its own. And while Microsoft has listed some sketchy requirements for Vista, they are not as specific and complete as I would like.

One thing solidly in the PC's favor: There's no doubt PCs are better gaming machines. Some popular games, including my favorite, "Guild Wars," aren't available for the Mac. And even with the games that are available for both platforms, the PC is the clear winner for power gamers.

While Macs haven't had trouble with viruses, the security landscape is changing fast. There have been some security weaknesses discovered in the Mac, just not as many as with the PC. And the Mac is equally vulnerable to some of the worst threats. Phisher e-mails that trick computer users into going to a fake Web site where personal information can be harvested are just as dangerous on a Mac.

In fact, the Mac reputation for being bulletproof worries at least one of my security industry friends. He believes Mac users may be lulled into a false sense of security. The Mac is not hacker-proof. Nor is it impossible to create a virus that attacks the Mac's operating system.

Still, that's a rich man's worry. I think the playing field is fairly level these days and --- as we've just discussed --- tilted in favor of the Mac in some areas.

I'm sure not saying that PC users should junk their machines and rush out to buy a Mac. For myself, I'll continue to use both a PC and a Mac. Also keep in mind that --- even if you believe that if you shaved Bill Gates' head you'd find a 666 tattoo --- Microsoft is a brilliant company. Security is high on its agenda these days. People who have bet against Microsoft in the past generally have not profited.

So, take all this as I intend it, an honest effort to share my thinking with you. I'd rather be inconsistent than dishonest.