Ask HN: Best mac for iOS development/web design?

#1

Post by jemacniddle » Sun, Jan 04, 2015, 10:38 AM UTC

Currently have only used windows, switching to OSX for iOS development primarily, plus front end work. Budget is around $2400 (AUD). Portability isn't a big issue so I'm not constrained to a macbook. Thanks.

Re: Ask HN: Best mac for iOS development/web design?

#2

Post by snickmy » Sun, Jan 04, 2015, 10:53 AM UTC

Get a used iMac. (possibly 27inches).

For IOS dev you are looking to: - fast enough processor(s) for the compile phase (can take ages) - a decent graphic card/ram for getting your design tool of choice to work smooth (Photoshop is a good choice but not mandatory) - a screen as big as possible. At least for me when programming something graphic I like to have code on one side and final result on another.

If you don't have "laptop" as a mandatory feature, desktop solutions usually offer more "brutal" performances at the same price point. Imac is a bit of crossover giving the hardware involved is almost the same used in laptops.

Re: Ask HN: Best mac for iOS development/web design?

#3

Post by jemacniddle » Sun, Jan 04, 2015, 11:12 AM UTC

snickmy wrote: post #2

Get a used iMac. (possibly 27inches). For IOS dev you are looking to: - fast enough processor(s) for the compile phase (can take ages) - a decent graphic card/ram for getting your design tool of choice to work smooth (Photoshop is a good choice but not mandatory) - a screen as big as possible. At least for me when programming something graphic I like to have code on one side and final result on another. If you don't…

Thanks, any ideas for reliable used iMacs? There were none on the refurbished page on the Apple Store, hesitant to trust ebay.

Re: Ask HN: Best mac for iOS development/web design?

#4

Post by LarryMade2 » Sun, Jan 04, 2015, 6:00 PM UTC

jemacniddle wrote: post #3

snickmy wrote: post #2

Get a used iMac. (possibly 27inches). For IOS dev you are looking to: - fast enough processor(s) for the compile phase (can take ages) - a decent graphic card/ram for getting your design tool of choice to work smooth (Photoshop is a good choice but not mandatory) - a screen as big as possible. At least for me when programming something graphic I like to have code on one side and final result on another. If you don't…

Thanks, any ideas for reliable used iMacs? There were none on the refurbished page on the Apple Store, hesitant to trust ebay.

Friends have used PowerOn for refurbished Macs and MacBooks for quite a while, they sell through eBay but offer warranties to what they sell

http://stores.ebay.com/PowerON-Deals

Re: Ask HN: Best mac for iOS development/web design?

#5

Post by xyclos » Mon, Jan 05, 2015, 3:03 PM UTC

jemacniddle wrote: post #3

snickmy wrote: post #2

Get a used iMac. (possibly 27inches). For IOS dev you are looking to: - fast enough processor(s) for the compile phase (can take ages) - a decent graphic card/ram for getting your design tool of choice to work smooth (Photoshop is a good choice but not mandatory) - a screen as big as possible. At least for me when programming something graphic I like to have code on one side and final result on another. If you don't…

Thanks, any ideas for reliable used iMacs? There were none on the refurbished page on the Apple Store, hesitant to trust ebay.

I've successfully used sellyourmac.com[1] to both buy and sell used macs.

[1] http://sellyourmac.com

Re: Ask HN: Best mac for iOS development/web design?

#6

Post by chrisBob » Mon, Jan 05, 2015, 10:03 PM UTC

The mac mini is a decent computer that people often overlook. You would need a new keyboard, but you can use the same monitor and mouse that you have been using for your windows computer. Keep an eye out in the refurbished store, but they sell new starting at $620 (AUD). If money is no object get a MBP or iMac, but if it is your own money I would start with the Mac Mini and see what you think.