Good Desktop + Cheap laptop OR Good laptop?

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>This question might have been asked a lot but I will ask it again, consider the fact that I am going to be majoring in Computer Science.</p>

<p>Do you, overall, think it would be better to have a good desktop with a cheap laptop or just a good laptop with an external monitor? </p>

<p>I am considering one of the two (I NEED a Macintosh to work with iOS Development which I have been doing, and enjoy, in High School):</p>

<p>1) Low end 15" MacBook Pro + 22" monitor for a total of 1800 USD before taxes
The overall advantage of doing this is everything is on one computer, which is a fairly big advantage. The disadvantages include: Lower specs for higher cost, </p>

<p>2) Low end iMac (When the refresh comes out, assumes the price stays the same) and a HP 2000t-2a00 netbook for a total of 1550 before taxes
The advantage of this is it costs less and I have a machine optimized for Windows and a machine optimized for Mac OS X. The disadvantage of this is I will have to transfer any notes/files I put on my HP to my Mac. Another disadvantage is I would have to leave the computer unattended quite often, which might not be safe.</p>

<p>Another option is to buy the higher end 21" iMac, when it is released, and just use my 2nd gen iPad for a portable device, which would total 1400 usd before taxes just.</p>

<p>What are your opinions on what I should do/get? I am open for suggestions of other combinations that might work too.</p>

<p>I would get a low end iMac and try to get an used (but in good condition) MBP, maybe like 2010? I believe they still had i5’s and i3’s so it shouldn’t be too bad, plus you could upgrade the RAM/HDD if you know how to do that. That’s just my 2 cents :)</p>

<p>Have you considered a Windows desktop and a Macbook? That’s what I’m doing.</p>

<p>My setup is:
Custom built gaming desktop: $500
2012 Macbook Air 13": $1239</p>