Looking for some advice on buying a Mac laptop.

I have around $1600 to $1800 to spend on a new Mac.

Looking for what to get, what not to get, and why.

I'm a Apple virgin, so please speak english when trying to get it through my thick head.

I would like it to be able to hook up to a external monitor, I want it for photgraphy, run PS, LR, and Photomax - also music via iTunes.

Will keep my older Windows laptop for general stuff, the Mac doesn't require Windows compatability unless they all come that way?