Have you solved your desktop resolution problems?
I'm not familiar with your spyder2 software. My Eye-one software allows me to select the target brightness I intend to work with. Try to see if there is an "ADVANCED" mode for your spyder2 calibration and do not use any "Easy" or "Simple" calibration option as such calibration is only as good as the amount of effort you place in the setup. If all else fails, turning the brightness down to min before calibration is worth trying.
Do ensure that your room has even and constant illumination at all times of the day, if it doesn't time to invest in blinds/curtains and proper 5500K lighting. Does your spyder2 test the amount/colourtemp of the ambient lighting during setup?
If one doesn't intend to mess with all these, getting a mac in the first place is a good idea, but even a mac benefits from a good calibration although the defaults are pretty good in the first place if brightness is at minimum, I'm typing from a G5 at work as I speak and I still prefer my calibrated Dell 30" at home.
Since you already have invested in a good PC setup, your solution would be to overcome your tech-phobia and attempt to figure out this mess. This knowledge will aid you greatly in future as you will know the basics of making all your gear work for you.