In music ...like most of the other arts...
Having the right tool to do what you need to...means everything.
If it is exactly what you need ..over what you currently have mscion...
Then get the guitar.
$2500 isn't much when compared to what use you will put it to...and the fact that an electric will last your lifetime.

Me...I have a couple I have built..play them now and then..
But I focus on my dulcimers and other instruments more...
Especially my metal strung harps...

Garage band is ok..
I'm geared on our maemo real time effects processor... GTKgep... for my n8x0's and n900's ...so I can take one and a harp with me to work and play all night...
Saves the weight of bringing a laptop...

At home ..the only real time I use on windows is Jesusonic ...it is old...but freakin great...make my own effects with it...even.

Past that...there are a couple of outdated music distros I still use that have big selections of progs that are excellent...

As far as standalone goes ...
Rakarrak is my linux fav I use all the time.