New Computer Decisions

[dav86]

What I have:

Macbook (white) 2008: 2.4 Ghz duo core, 4 gb ram 667, 250 gb HD, 13"
iPad: Retina Display (3rd Gen I believe)

Looking to update
I don't game, but want to be able to play games if I want to, about to graduate residency, mostly web surf, word/pp, youtube, netflix

Was initially thinking about getting a 15" rMBP with dGPU, 2400 with 100 GC with .edu discount.

But since I might want to game, was thinking about then getting MBA 13" just about maxed out except for 256 gb PCI instead of 512 and then having my brother build me a PC desktop. He said he can for about 1000-1200 w/o monitor. Probably a midtier gaming computer. So for about the same price (2500-2600) I can get two computers.

Also thought about getting an iMac 27" and MBA 13". Basically lots of thoughts but just don't know which way to go and what people would recommend.

Lastly, I have been reading a lot on these forums recently and broadwell is coming out in the next six months hopefully. Should I wait until the update or just take advantage of some good deals? I don't NEED the computer now, my macbook works fine but just can't hold a charge well anymore and want to upgrade while in residence because I can get a lot of free software through the school.

Should I get a desktop and MBA or just the rMBP, and is it worth getting iMac vs PC desktop (cost is pretty different between the two)

Sorry for a lot of questions, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[pragmatous]

Sounds reasonable to me.

That's what I have. I have a gaming PC and then I use my mac for everything else such as web, word, adobe Illustrator, xcode, garage band, etc.

Ya do it up man.

I have the sandy bridge 2600k, geforce 570, 16GB RAM, samsung 840 pro 256GB SSD, and a Asus motherboard. I forget the model#. It's about 4 years old and it still plays games at ultra settings.

What I have:

Macbook (white) 2008: 2.4 Ghz duo core, 4 gb ram 667, 250 gb HD, 13"
iPad: Retina Display (3rd Gen I believe)

Looking to update
I don't game, but want to be able to play games if I want to, about to graduate residency, mostly web surf, word/pp, youtube, netflix

Was initially thinking about getting a 15" rMBP with dGPU, 2400 with 100 GC with .edu discount.

But since I might want to game, was thinking about then getting MBA 13" just about maxed out except for 256 gb PCI instead of 512 and then having my brother build me a PC desktop. He said he can for about 1000-1200 w/o monitor. Probably a midtier gaming computer. So for about the same price (2500-2600) I can get two computers.

Also thought about getting an iMac 27" and MBA 13". Basically lots of thoughts but just don't know which way to go and what people would recommend.

Lastly, I have been reading a lot on these forums recently and broadwell is coming out in the next six months hopefully. Should I wait until the update or just take advantage of some good deals? I don't NEED the computer now, my macbook works fine but just can't hold a charge well anymore and want to upgrade while in residence because I can get a lot of free software through the school.

Should I get a desktop and MBA or just the rMBP, and is it worth getting iMac vs PC desktop (cost is pretty different between the two)

Sorry for a lot of questions, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[maflynn]

Should I get a desktop and MBA or just the rMBP, and is it worth getting iMac vs PC desktop (cost is pretty different between the two)

You seem to be all over the board with what you may want
First, do you need a mobile solution - sounds like it. Then I'd go with a rMBP.

If you want a dGPU then that precludes the 13" rMBP, since its integrated gpu only.

I'm go with the 15" rMPB because its quad core, and has a better iGPU. Now if you want to spend the money and get the dGPU model, that's fine, but it sounds like most of your uses will be normal work type stuff. I'd personally would get the iGPU model. MBPs are known for their gaming prowess anyways and you'll be spending a lot of money on a configuration just in case you change your mind about playing games - that's if I read your post correctly.