Getting windows to run on a Mac isn't that difficult. But if you're using only the Microsoft Office suite of software and manipulating photo, you don't need to worry about that. I switched from a PC to a Mac. It was a learning curve, my brain is programmed (brain washed) by the windows environment.

However, for a Windows laptop, in addition to what others recommended, you might want to take a look at the Lenovo Think Pad series of laptops too. They got a high opinion from my computer department at the College, and my daughter bought one. I think they're a good choice. If you live in the Seattle area, Hard Drives NW in Bellevue sells and services them. They're one of the few laptops you can get serviced locally with out sending them back to the factory.