As far as I know, the multitouch trackpad doesn't have fully-functioning drivers for Windows/Linux. On a 2011 15", I can run Ubuntu fullscreen seamlessly (liter

As far as I know, the multitouch trackpad doesn't have fully-functioning drivers for Windows/Linux. On a 2011 15", I can run Ubuntu fullscreen seamlessly (literally swipe left and right between Mac and Ubuntu, with no cursor capturing or anything). I think it's the best way to get full usage out of your Mac while still using Linux - and you can setup shared folders between Mac and your VM, or SSH from one to the other. I don't see OSX as being an additional cost like Windows - all Macs come with OSX, and it doesn't have to license it from a separate company, like the Dell and Microsoft relationship. The only cost would be $30 every other year for upgrades, but even those are optional. A refurb definitely wouldn't be a bad option, I have a refurbed iMac and if it didn't come in a brown box saying "Refurbished" I'd have never known. The only thing I will say is that adding a few hundred bucks to your budget for the 3 year warranty is 100% worth it - something breaks, you just schedule an appointment at the Apple store, and they'll take care of it.