ya, seriously. There's frugal, then there's just wasting your time. It goes back to the saying I always liked "linux is free if your time isn't worth anything" (not trying to start a linux debate, the quote came years ago when it required technical knowledge to do anything in linux).

Maybe it's just me justifying my spending, but I've always freely bought things to reduce the friction between me and getting things done. A solid laptop would be #1 on the list.