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Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

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Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#171
post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That analogy is utter nonsense. With a Linux or Windows desktop equipped with a good toolbox we can cross-compile to a wide range of architectures. That this range doesn't currently include the iPhone is completely accidental; it's merely a consequence of a business decision by Apple (and it might even be a good business decision for all I know). It doesn't tell us anything about the adequacy of a Linux/Windows deskt…

Cocotron or GNUStep plus Chameleon will get you most of the way to developing iOS apps on other platforms. I imagine there is some work to do to round out the experience, but tis the nature of open source. There's definitely nothing stopping you from developing iOS apps on other platforms though. It's just going to be a bit more work than using the polished packages from Apple. [1] http://cocotron.org/ [2] http://www…

This is pretty cool, thanks. Do you know of any tutorials that would guide the Apple-noob through the process of compiling a "Hello, world!" type of App for iPad/iPhone entirely on linux ?

The ones I found were talking mostly of Objective C development for other platforms, not on other platforms. Being pretty much 100% linux-only, I do not feel like purchasing the Mac just for toying around. (And maybe this kind of service "in the cloud" could be for me - but would be curious if one can do it on linux).

Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#172
post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think there is a difference between "effectiveness of the tool in general" vs. "effectiveness of a tool for the particular purpose". Pliers are a fantastic tool. You can even put the screws in with it. But it is a very poor tool for putting in the nails. Arguably it is merely a consequence of a business decision to have nails the way they are. For that you need a hammer. Therefore I believe the parent analogy makes…

I don't get your point. OK, a Linux desktop is normally useless to make iPhone apps. But this thread is about a tool that allows you to you use your Linux desktop to make iPhone apps. I was disagreeing with a comment implying that somehow you must have a physical Mac to make iPhone apps.

My point was: "can" != "should". At least not in case of serious development.

For myself - I'd probably consider using this to tinker with XCode and see if maybe I should get myself a Mac if I get into iP(hone|ad) app development beyond trying to compile "Hello world".

Anyway, having Linux as my only OS for circa 8 last years (minus some powerpoint operating system use due to practical constraints @work), I would be curious if you have any experience developing for iPhone/iPad on Linux/Windows that you can share.

Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#173
post #87

So let's see who your potential customer is: - Someone who owns a computer, with a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse (of course) - Someone with a decent internet access - Someone who has either invested or going to invested 100's of hours to properly learn the iOS/Mac frameworks - Someone who is hoping to either make a living off his Mac development or threats this as in important hobby - Someone who will be able to af…

So your customer is a student, or anyone who sees iOS development as a moneymaking opportunity but does not have the money to jumpstart the activity. Fact is, there are some of us who just don't have the extra cash to jump in (having spent it on an iPad, now irritated we can't do development for an otherwise awesome platform). Sure we could buy an old Mac Mini for a couple hundred bucks (monitor, keyboard, etc aside)…

If you are having to stretch that much to purchase a Mac, why go for the Air? Get a less expensive Macbook Pro ... or even just a Macbook. Buy used off of eBay, max out the RAM and you'd be in good shape.

Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#174
post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wait. You are a professional programmer at a bank and you don't own a PC or mac at home? Is this common? How do you keep your skills up to speed?

I'm confused as well by this. From my perspective, in order to keep your business and personal lives separate (and private) you need two separate systems to work on. I have no interest in IT possibly being able to log or monitor my interactions with my personal GMail, bank accounts, etc. Since most companies Acceptable Use Policies provides them with the right to monitor all of this and more, it seems necessary. Othe…

I find folders and mail accounts work fine for keeping work and personal stuff separate. Just having one computer to deal with is nice. And cheaper.

Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#175

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So your customer is a student, or anyone who sees iOS development as a moneymaking opportunity but does not have the money to jumpstart the activity. Fact is, there are some of us who just don't have the extra cash to jump in (having spent it on an iPad, now irritated we can't do development for an otherwise awesome platform). Sure we could buy an old Mac Mini for a couple hundred bucks (monitor, keyboard, etc aside)…

If you are having to stretch that much to purchase a Mac, why go for the Air? Get a less expensive Macbook Pro ... or even just a Macbook. Buy used off of eBay, max out the RAM and you'd be in good shape.

Because my home computer is a 7-year-old Sony ultraportable featuring a Pentium M with 0.5GB. My upgrade pattern is: buy maxed-out top of the line, then grind it into the ground.

Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#176

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you are having to stretch that much to purchase a Mac, why go for the Air? Get a less expensive Macbook Pro ... or even just a Macbook. Buy used off of eBay, max out the RAM and you'd be in good shape.

Because my home computer is a 7-year-old Sony ultraportable featuring a Pentium M with 0.5GB. My upgrade pattern is: buy maxed-out top of the line, then grind it into the ground.

Well, that makes sense then! :)

Re: Rent a Mac in the cloud for development

#177
post #162

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I'm literally selling blood to buy a MacBook Air just for iOS development I admire your determination. Look, I've bought an iMac to learn IOS in my spare time. Why don't we trade - time on my iMac, and you answer my iOS questions? PM me.

:-) would like to, but as I don't have a Mac I haven't done enough iOS work to answer any questions yet. Sounds we're at about the same level now.

Email me anyway. My iMac is idle 20 hours a day. teyc@cognoware.com
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