Should I buy a loaded MBP now?

[Berries-A-Million]

I am selling my gaming system currently, and will have around $3500 cash once its all sold. Very high end system. I never play it any more, and maybe twice this year. With that, I am looking to possibly either get a MBP 16", with a i7 or i9, 32gb, 5600 video, 1 TB ssd and a TB3 dock to hook up my Ultrawide monitor to it when I use it at my desk. Or should I go the iMAC route, and get a MBA instead?

I know with the new chips coming, you won't be able to run Windows OS, and that is a concern for me as I sometimes need to run Windows on it for things that won't run on a Mac including some games maybe in bootcamp when I feel like I need to game again.

Give me your thoughts since we are in a transition right now where Apple is switching over.

 

[velocityg4]

Since you aren't gaming anymore. I wouldn't spend out a bunch of money because you might get the itch again. Get a Wii U for that occasional urge to game. Then get the computer which will best suit your needs.

 

[Berries-A-Million]

Very true. I actually have a Xbox One that I never use...just a BluRay player really. Just trying to decide which direction to go on the Mac, lets say no gaming, but need some processing power for video encoding.

 

[velocityg4]

Very true. I actually have a Xbox One that I never use...just a BluRay player really. Just trying to decide which direction to go on the Mac, lets say no gaming, but need some processing power for video encoding.

It really depends on your monitor. If it is a retina grade display (high DPI). The MBP 16 will certainly accomplish the task. If it isn't a high DPI monitor. You'll want to consider one. As macOS since Mojave looks horrible on standard DPI due to fonts looking a bit blurry. There are some tweaks to improve things. But text still looks pretty bad.

The iMac solves that since you get a 27" 5K display replacing your current screen.

Either is good for video work. It really depends on the options you choose. How much work you are doing, bitrate, encoder, &c. Video loves lots of cores and lots of RAM. Really lots of everything.

A retina screen would be a 4K (2160p) or better display. Although there are very few options above 4K. Those 1080p/1440p ultrawides are standard DPI.

Since you want portability. I'd probably opt for the MBP 16 and pair it with an LG 5K display from the Apple Store. As it double as a Thunderbolt 3 charging dock. Seems better than dealing with an iMac and MBA. Although getting the iMac and waiting for the ARM MBA sounds tempting.

 

[Fishrrman]

Serious question:
Does your use case require a "loaded" Mac?