I just recently switched to a mac last year and I can easily say, graphics wise, it was a good decision. I think peacheasy said it best. Now, if you're just going to be using photoshop/illustrator, sure a 256MB RAM would work, but, get ready to go bald from just tearing your hair out at how slow the processing is. I'm not saying it won't work, it will, but if you were, for example, going to increase a 500x500 mpx image up to 1500x1500 with a 750 resolution (let's say for big ass printing ad), then the wait is going to agonizing. It'll be done, but well >_>

I run on a minimac, and I even use 3D-programs like Maya on it. 1GB ram is not enough but it's worth it than say a 1 GB PC-OS. It's an expensive investment, but it's worth it. Desktops are crazy ass expensive but they'd be worth it if you can get your hands on them.

But srsly, at least try to get your hands on a 512 if you can't manage a 1GB RAM T__T and a bigger memory/cache