I don't think the shop in 皇室堡 will help you get free software. For me, the only software that I installed which cost me $$ is the MS office. Other software that I use are download the free ware in web or come budle with the hardware I bought.
I got the PS element 2.0 bundle with my 300D. Unless I need to read RAW file and edit it, I still think the v2.0 works fine.
The Mac soft for Logitech mouse works fine with my trackball and perform those web surfing function (like page back etc).
Also the software come with OSX (iTune, iPhoto, iDVD etc etc) already helps you perform most of the task, so really no need to install too much add'l program for most users.
I agree that you should get a external HDD for storing the media file. So you can use a PC with DVD burner to burn the file in a DVD. Personally I suggest you get the external HDD case of combo connection (IEEE1394 + USB 2.0). I got the 2.5" HDD case for less than HKD250, (named "Smartdrive").
You may need some time to find the hardware that can work on MAC depend what hardwar you are looking for. Mouse, Keyboard from Logitech works flawless with iBook. The hardware that I spend most time to locate was the web cam since HK only selling the web cam Pro for Notebook, but that is black in color. Lucky enough that friend help me get the same model from Japan which is white in color which match buch better with iBook.
Oh, by the way, I used Firefox as default web browser and Thunderbird for email in PC and Mac so there is no pain to move between PC and Mac. I even sghare teh same set of keyboard, mouse and monitor with my PC.
Last, I can read Chinese, just too slow in typing Chinese and that is why I use English! The only reason I switch on the PC is for game, but I will rather switch on PSP or NDS for game and keep my PC frozen. HA HA.