Help me choose, please.

[NbinHD]

Uses;
Web browsing.
Intense homework - i like to have to programs (word and chrome) open at once to maximize effeciency.
YouTube.
Casual light gaming.
Sketchup
Movies.

Possible options - Budget must be within absolute maximum - pushing it $2300
21.5'' iMac - high end - 1tb fusion - $2000
21.5'' iMac - low end - 1tb fusion - $1729
23/24'' monitor and a macbook air (11 or 13'' baseline 128gb) - $1700 (11'') - $1900 (13'')
Above (23/24'' monitor) with a 13'' rmbp baseline - $2100
Above (23/24'' monitor) with a mac mini (i7, 1tb fusion drive, 8gb ram) - $1800
27'' baseline iMac with fusion drive - $2300

I dont necessarily need a laptop, as i dont really benefit from having them and using it regularly, but for the odd occasion it is nice to have. I feel as if the 21.5'' imac is too small, but for my needs the 27'' is too big considering the depth of my desk and im not a fan of having to move my head to reach each corner of the screen - so 24'' is ideal but im willing to give this up for a smaller. I like the iMac's because of the design and the all in one concept - includes mouse, keyboard etc, less cords etc. What do you guys think is the best option - im really finding it hard to choose.

Also - all models will be haswell 2013 models.
Also - the more i spend on this setup the less i can spend on a new phone - expensive computer = iphone 5c/5 vicer versa.

 

[jsm4182]

If you're interested in the 23-24" monitor options and don't need the potability I'd recommend the Mac Mini. Thats the setup I use at work and at home(but with a 27" at home). It is more than powerful enough for your needs. I'm not sure of exactly how you got the $1800 price, a good 23-24" monitor should be between $200-$300(for my work setup I just got a 23" Dell Ultrasharp IPS LED for $230) and remember RAM is much cheaper to upgrade yourself than buy through Apple.

 

[Phan0121]

Are you getting rid of the macbook in your signature?

If not, then I'd suggest visiting tonymacx86.com and going down the route of a hackintosh.