@matigo I've considered maintaining a Linux machine for many years now. I just move around so much that it's impractical to have the setup that I would go for if I were to put the effort in at all: an overpowered tower. I'd have to use this in conjunction with a Mac as well, but I would then just keep the MBA for OS X-ish things like Lightroom or Filemaker (which, honestly, I should get away from as well).
I'd also have to set up a NAS, which would add a considerable amount to the budget.