Apple Mac computers are, and always will be, the computer of choice for me.
Same here.
Sounds like you, most regrettably, had a bad apple !
Generally their QA is top notch.
They are built like tanks too.... not that I'd recommend it, but mine rolled straight off the end of an Xray conveyor belt at a certain major European airport where they didn't (and probably still don't) have barriers at the end of the rollers .....slight dent to the outer casing but still works nicely.
Someone tripped over the power cord on my old PowerBook G4, it met a concrete office floor starting from desk height.... again survived to tell the tale with just a bit of battle scarring (case denting). Again, not really recommended to "try this at home" !
Apple are not the only people to have problems with Batteries.... after all , they don't make them themselves ! Just remember sony etc !
Don't give up on Apple's that easily FlyingOfficerKite , please ! Give em a chance !