The setup takes longer than you think, but then your summer gets easier. I would map the beds before buying parts, because I wasted money on pieces I did not need. For tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, steady root watering is much better than random overhead watering.

If you are not ready for full drip, try a soaker hose first. It is cheaper and less intimidating. I used one in my raised bed and covered it with mulch. It is not perfect, but it made a big difference compared with blasting everything with a hose after work.

Drip irrigation was worth it even in my small garden because it made watering consistent. I put it on a simple timer and stopped guessing. The plants looked better, and I used less water because it went to the roots instead of the leaves and pathways.