I always start in NX2 for basic corrections (WB, exposure, contrast, lens distortion, saturation, etc.) then open the file in Photoshop for any more complex manipulation.

Welcome, Bourne.
Ditto what Rob said, and since Lightroom 2(.?) the camera calibration options have been great (D2x mode 3 is my favorite, but even the adobe standard one is good). I'm not a fan of NX2. I've been using LR3 since I downloaded it this week, and I'm impressed so far.

What capabilities of Aperture 2 do you find it lacking from RAW conversion? Sure newer RAW converts like those available to Aperture 3 and Lightroom 3/CS5 are better, but Aperture 2 can do almost as much as any other RAW converter. Do you mean you want something with better image editing? Most RAW converters give similar results, each with slight advantages over the others in one area, while being weak in another.

The only software that is fully compatible with NEF files is Capture NX2, but to be honest the only advantage of Capture NX2 is the ability to apply in camera colour settings. Lightroom 3 and Aperture 3 are both capable, and can give you far more flexibility than Capture NX2.

I am just beginning to shoot in RAW with my Nikon D700 and would like to know what software for conversion Forum Members think does the most accurate job. I use a MAC computer. I have been using Aperature 2 and as most of you know, it lacks many capabilities of working with the NEF files.

Thank you..... very interested in the response from the Forum.