MBA+Custom PC=Good?

[iMpathetic]

Hey, all.

I've been thinking about the MBA for quite a while, and now that I've actually seen one, I'm.. in love. :o

I think that it would be the perfect computer for hanging out around the house, taking to school, and bringing to work/repair jobs.

On the other hand, it is a bit lackluster in terms of performance, so I think what I would do is build a $700 dual-core PC to use for the heavy/processor-intensive/storage/video stuff.

Has anyone done this? Thoughts?
Thanks.

[bart rijksen]

good idea. would suit you well, but isn't it better to get an imac instead of a windows comp?

[7031]

Well I'm generally happy having a Macbook Pro and a Ubuntu Studio desktop.

Who can't resist building their own comp? :P. Seriously, much more fun than having someone else do it.

[Tracer]

Quad-Cores are cheap. Even if you are on a budget. Pick up the Q6600 that can be BSEL modded to 3.0GHZ.

Tracer

[gazfocus]

I've currently got a Core 2 Duo PC that I built myself as well as a Macbook Pro. I'll admit though, it's a pain in the backside having to buy both Windows and Mac versions of the same software (such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, etc).

So I've decided to give up with my PC (it's approaching 2 years old) and am hoping to replace it with a Mac Pro so I can just buy the one version of software :)

[velocityg4]

For processor intensive stuff why not go Quad Core? You could get all the parts you need for a powerful Quad Core Desktop PC through Newegg. I would look carefully at making an AMD Phenom Quad Core with the new nVidia nForce 750a or 780a SLI Northbridges combined with a GeForce 8000 or 9000 series GPY.

These new boards let you use a low watt integrated chipset for most daily stuff then when you load a program utilizing a 3D GPU like a game or some HD content the computer will turn on your Dedicated Video Card and use it plus have the Wimpy integrated chip help squeeze out a few more frames. Then you get the best of both worlds; low watt integrated GPU for daily tasks and high performance dedicated graphics for gaming and HD video. May I recommend a 512MB factory Overclocked 8800GT it is extremely powerful and holds close to the top tier 8800 Ultra and 9800 GX's for much less according to Tom's Hardware Video Card buying guide, for about $200.

[Philflow]

I think it's a smart setup.

I have a desktop running XP SP3 with a 22" LCD.

I have my MBA for on the road & on the couch. I'm also in love with her ;)

[nick9191]

Wouldn't you much rather by an iMac and a MacBook for about the same price :D

[conchshell]

I have custom desktop pc running vista and a macbook air and it seems like a perfect combo to me. the only snag i had was synching mba safari bookmarks with pc firefox bookmarks (i don't like windows safari or mac firefox) and i was able to fix that with a little homemade software