I think there's a very strong case to be made for breaking up your computing needs into separate devices that specialize in their respective niche. Last year I followed the 'PCMR' advice and dropped thousands of dollars on a beefy AI/ML/Gaming machine, and it's been great, but I'd be lying to you if I didn't admit that I'd have been better served taking that money and buying a lightweight laptop, a NAS, and gaming console. I'd have enough money left over to rent whatever I needed on runpod for AI/ML stuff.