Looking into new laptops. Windows 7 or Macbook? (Please read before voting or commenting, I have a lot of important stuff to say)

I am in my final semester of college and hope to go on to graduate school. My parents promised me that as long as I am accepted, they will get me a new laptop. Why would I need a new one? Simple. One word: Vista. Yes, I suffered four years of college with the operating system from Hell and there is no way that I am going to rely on it for graduate school.

Now, here's the thing: If I recall correctly, I got the laptop that I am currently using not long before Windows 7 came out (think between June and August of 2008). I always wanted 7 once I heard it was the superior OS as far as Windows computers go. I would love to experience it for myself. For a class in college, I was required to use 7's Office, so I had to buy at my campus' computer store three disks that installed that. In addition to schoolwork, I used it for recreation. I loved it that much.

However, I believe I have heard rumors that Microsoft is in the very early stages of making the next OS, and it would probably be even better than 7 (though look what happened with Vista after XP). I have also heard that Macbooks are the way to go. What do you, the people of Reddit, say? I fear the thought of adjusting to a Macbook after using Microsoft's computers my whole life and I worry about possible issues with compatibility.

If anyone who has an interest in this topic can help me out, I would appreciate at least knowing what you think I should do. If you could give me a reason for why you chose your response, that would be awesome, but I don't NEED them.