Need buying advice for Mac or alternative

[streetfoldsfive]

So currently I am a student away at college. With me I have a first gen ipad mini and a late 2012 27" iMac (i7, 8GB, 1TB hybrid, 2GB graphics).

Recently I have been noticing my desire to have a portable computing machine. Whether it be for travel, quick trips back home, in class notes, or library work sessions. My mini isn't cutting it and my imac is stuck in my dorm. Not to mention, for some reason my iMac seems to be so slow. It boots up slow for an ssd, photoshop can be a hassle, same with opening final cut, etc..

So I need some advice on what path I should take. So here is what I've been thinking.

I was considering buying a decently powerful Retina MBP. Using it as my main machine and eventually selling my iMac. Could I get one that could handle PS, Video editing, audacity, etc for around 1200?

The second option was get the Surface Pro 4. I would get the i5 8GB of ram version. This is where i've been leaning because of how cool it seems. I'm just concerned about its longevity and switching to windows. I haven't decided if I would keep my iMac in this situation.

My other two options are to get either a newer ipad with a typing cover and keep the iMac, or get a cheaper laptop (like a macbook air) and keep the imac.

Any advice?

 

[Tomorrow]

I was considering buying a decently powerful Retina MBP. Using it as my main machine and eventually selling my iMac. Could I get one that could handle PS, Video editing, audacity, etc for around 1200?

Yes, although if it were me (and a year and a half ago, it was) I'd spend a bit more and get at least a middle-of-the-road model. Not because the cheaper model won't do what you want it to (sounds like it will), but because you want it to last you a while, perhaps even longer than your iMac has lasted you.

I don't know enough about a Surface tablet to help you with that one, sorry.

 

[streetfoldsfive]

Yes, although if it were me (and a year and a half ago, it was) I'd spend a bit more and get at least a middle-of-the-road model. Not because the cheaper model won't do what you want it to (sounds like it will), but because you want it to last you a while, perhaps even longer than your iMac has lasted you.

I don't know enough about a Surface tablet to help you with that one, sorry.

I'm looking at the 13" 2.7GHz i5, 8GB of RAM, 256GB stoorage?

 

[Tomorrow]

I'm looking at the 13" 2.7GHz i5, 8GB of RAM, 256GB stoorage?

That would be a fine machine, are you sure you can find that for around $1,200?

 

[streetfoldsfive]

That would be a fine machine, are you sure you can find that for around $1,200?

Apple sells it for 1269 refurbished.