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Yes the screen on my 15" MBP (matte finish) is marvellous, and it calibrates well for graphics and video work
I use Parallels to run windows on my old macbook and have my MBP set to use Bootcamp, i.e. I dual boot to windows on it.
It runs all windows applications better than my windows Desktop Machine does.
One advantage is Macs hold their value, so the TCO is quite good when you eventually upgrade it. The other is their longevity, my partner's 2007 Macbook still outpaces most laptops that her peers have purchased in the last two years and still looks great.
As for software licences, just like on a Windows machine, you have to buy whatever software you want to run on it, however most of your existing licences should transfer from your old PC to the new Mac.
I personally prefer the Mac OSX version of office, so I keep it current, and have an old version of MS office that I run when using it as a PC and don't bother upgrading it (2003).
You can buy any software at OEM prices really, it doesn't matter what you will be running it on.
If dual booting then you don't need a vmware licence.
Most of my home network are old Windows PCs, and I have no issues with file sharing etc. it all pretty much just works. I have an apple-TV hooked up to the hifi and my screen and stream any video and music from the laptop, iphone or ipad wirelessly via it.
I have transferred most of my software over the years to the OSX versions as I just have less hassles with the Mac, the few remaining bits of windows software are mostly utilities for specific older hardware.
Vs Toshiba etc. the unibody MBP really can take some punishment, mine has been dropped horrifically on multiple occasions, the backlit keyboard is a real boon, the resale value is better, and I prefer the styling and the rigidity of the casing, and the mag-safe power connector has saved me from damage on multiple occasions. The included iLife sweet (iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, Photobooth) are excellent and very useful. The inbuilt time-machine backup software is abolutely brilliant and easy to use. You just plug in any external HDD and it asks of you want to use it as a backup device. If you say yes, then it backs up regularly with no intervention required from you. It is truly a lifesaver and hassle free.
The main benefit though is you can run Mac OSX, Linux and Windows if you wish, all natively, it means if there is a program out there you want, you are pretty much assured of being able to run it. The same isn't true in reverse of course, e.g. if you want to run Final Cut Pro, you have to have a Mac.
The only thing I would say would be to buy a base model and upgrade the RAM and HDD yourself if you need the higher spec, as you can do so for cheaper with aftermarket items.
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