Apple Laptop for iPhone dev?

[Neil Toulouse]

Hi guys!

I know nothing about Apple hardware, but have been put in a position that we need to start developing iPhone apps.

Can anyone recommend a current model Apple laptop of a minimum spec that is required to start developing apps?

TIA
Neil

I like work. It fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours...

 

[pentode]

This might have something to help:

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/index.action

I'd say any new Apple machine could handle the development system.

 

[Neil Toulouse]

Thanks for the info, I will have a good look!

I like work. It fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours...

 

[bayb]

Firstly, the idea I have in my head(which may or may not be correct) of someone developing applications is that they'd spend alot of time in front of their system looking at code
.
To that end I would not suggest a laptop.

Here's why,
*Small amount of screen real estate (limiting what you can develop effectively).
*Small screen will also give you eye strain after prolonged exposure.
*They get VERY hot after 2-3 hours use. You're lap is going to fry.
*If you MUST use a laptop then got with a 15 or 17 inch model...13 inch is too smal to be of any use to you. The 15s are very good machines and are more than capable.

Personally I would suggest one of the low end to mid range iMacs. They're very capable and extremely well built. If you do buy an iMac invest in a better keyboard.. the ones they ship with are way too small for someone who types so much.

All of this is said under the assumution that you will not be developing 3D applications, but instead 2D applications designed to run under the iPhone enviroment or a simlar spec to the one your creating the app on.

 

[Neil Toulouse]

Hi bayb!

This laptop will be in an office environment and so (especially as its an apple) will need to be locked away etc. It won't be used a great deal at the mo, and as long as I can plug in my 24" monitor and USB mouse/keyboard all should be well

Thanks for your response

I like work. It fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours...

 

[fisheromacse]

i use a white macbook 13" for a variety of development projects (both in OSX and flavors of windows via virtual machines) as well as audio/video editing in OSX.
I have upgraded the RAM to 4GB and the hard drive to 500GB, both of which were very simple.
With the apple laptops, if you want an external monitor, make sure to get the right adapter and all will be well.

 

[ifonesalot]

Honestly any Mac will work. We started with just an inexpensive Mac Mini. Obviously some things like a big screen and a faster Mac can make the experience more pleasurable. But anything works.