I'm realizing that my Mac laptop is not cutting it for the direction I want to move my projects in, mainly arduino and reprap. The documentation and support for them is just so overwhelmingly Windows based. I have windows as a dual operating system now, and it runs slow, unreliably, with all different button configs and it's a huge hassle. Once I can get the darn projects talking to my computer better, i'm eventually going to have to get into CAD and 3D Modeling, which is even more Windows based. I'm seeing my hand a little forced into upgrading to a 2nd PC.
I'm looking at buying or building one. The last one I built myself was for gaming in 2002 (I no longer have it) and so much has changed since then. I don't really know my budget yet, I basically have to spend what it's going to cost to get something that will work well for CAD (beginner CAD). I need a monitor too. I want it to serve as a "workshop PC" installed on my bench.
I am not sure whether its better to build one from Newegg parts and save some money, but spend hours researching and not have decent support/warrenty when it's all done... Or just cave and buy a dell or some other pre-fab brand. I read a forum that says Dell "optiplex" is pretty awesome for better than residential systems... I've been out of the loop for so long, I'd appreciate some advice. Any thoughts?
