If the "drive hums and unit is warm," it turns on, so that's not the real issue. The main issues are the screen not working, and the OS X disc not being ejected properly.

It appears that the wire that connects the backlight to the motherboard is not functioning properly. The only real way to fix this and the CD-ROM drive is to take it to the Apple Store Genius Bar.

Mac has tremendous action picture/image enhancing features. Alienwares would, too, even if it truly is potential is more beneficial concentrated on gaming. For the use you describe, i'd recommend the mac. even if, in case you imagine your meant use would substitute, the workstation will be more beneficial versatile.