Is the current MacBook a suitable machine for XCode?

Question

Hi Everybody,

I'll like to buy an Apple computer to develop Apps for the iPhone. I am a hobbyist, not a professional programmer and I would favour a laptop for portability.

Going by Apple's website, the standard MacBook looks Ok for me. I don't need mega performance, provided I can write, compile and test iPhone Apps at an acceptable pace. I'd like to ask the Apple development community at large if the standard MacBook is Ok for developing iPhone Apps? Do any of you Professional guys use these MacBooks?

Regards,

JC

Answer 1

I'm developing professionally on an ancient white MacBook. You'll be fine.

You may get better value by shopping eBay, though.

Answer 2

Any Intel Mac which can run Snow Leopard will do. From a two year old used (non-Pro) MacBook or Mini to any of the latest models, including MacBooks.

Buying a refurb or a cheap old model and using the savings to buy a much bigger monitor is probably the best trade-off for iPhone & iPad development, if you are on a tight budget.