DOCBOOK-APPS: content creation

I'm trying to get the doc process down to create some really nice docs. 
Using vi w/ docbook is making my fingers tired, but it certainly gives 
me lots of flexibility. So I went out and bought adobe acrobat thinking 
it was a sort of create/edit tool for creating manuals, but turns out I 
think it's only good for making documents into pdf files Probably a 
waste of $250.

So I converted all my docbook web pages into pdf's and they turned out 
ok, but was wondering how you guys are going about this (creating some 
nice user manuals) and if I understand the process correctly. Do you 
create the content using whatever you wish and then import/convert them 
into pdf's?

Anyone know of any good gui tools where I can just concentrate on the 
content (and maybe some that run on OSX, and don't cost too much)?

And if anyone can list a few points about adobe acrobat and how it fits 
in, that would help calm my nerves about the cost.

Thnxs.