I appreciate the input from all. Here's what I'm leaning toward now:

- for composition: Scrivener
- for general all-purpose note taker: Circus Ponies Notebook (because I like OneNote in the PC world)
- for information collection and management: still thinking about this but top contender would be DevonThink

I also think I won't be able to resist OmniOutliner and Opal.

But keep the suggestions flowing. It is always fun to be starting from scratch!

The MacBook I'm getting was the top model from 2007 -- black, thank goodness.

Thanks!

Steve Z.