Awesome thanks Don. I can get away with an i7, 16GB ram and 250GB SSD for just under $1000AUD, which is what I was hoping for. Could probably get away with a micro ATX for about $800, but the compromise is obviously there in power and portability. Something to think about anyway.
Point taken about the extra storage too, I will give it a go with 250GB and see how I get on.
Looks like you have a great kit there for a full portable solution. I’d be nowhere near as mobile as you but that is a great ‘all in one case’ collection you have organised.