I've been a programmer for over... well a long time. The first machine I programmed took up a whole room. I have several Intel based PCs, a Mac Mini, an iPad, and an iPhone. I develop applications using Visual Studio and C# (among other tools). If you want an easy to use machine that will connect to other devices, self-configure and maintain itself then I recommend an Intel PC running Windows. Download the security essentials and turn on automatic updates. Don't get angry if you eight year old printer fails to work. The life expectancy of this stuff is about three years. Now, if you are in to graphics and you want a powerful graphics or video editing system go with Apple. Or, as in my case, you want to program MAC OSX or iPad or iPhone you will have to use a MAC.

Each system has its strengths and weaknesses. It depends on what you want to do. Productivity, Windows. Graphics and music, Apple.