As if iTunes U wasn't favorable enough, colleges are looking to the Apple's flagship computer brand as a viable alternative to the popular PC. Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, for one, is willing to get rid of their PC-compatibles to make room for new Macs.

The trend isn't only spotted over the education industry, but also the research industry as well. The huge stunt Virginia Tech pulled off for the Mac may have also attracted the attention of other educational and scientific organizations. Wilkes University claimed they chose the Mac because it's less susceptible to viruses.

It's doubtful that's the only reason, of course, as with Microsoft's new operating system Windows Vista costing an arm and a leg, institutions will be hard-pressed to shell out big bucks just to adopt new systems. And that's not including the heavy requirements of the new OS that could lead to unavoidable hardware upgrade costs.

The project that will switch a mixed assortment of PC and Macs numbering 1,700 to pure Mac is expected to cost US$ 1.4 million. The institute will be implementing a policy for students who wish to use their own computers within the compound.