i'm starting a software development certificate course in september...

[justywusty]

due to the calculations that programming can involve (i assume)...will the current macbook air be ok, or should i wait for the refresh coming?

i was looking at the 13" with 4GB ram & 128GB hard drive.

 

[GGJstudios]

Any Mac can do what you need, even a 3 year old model.

 

[justywusty]

Any Mac can do what you need, even a 3 year old model.

will the current gen last me a good 4-5 years?

 

[GGJstudios]

will the current gen last me a good 4-5 years?

If you take care of it, of course it will.

 

[justywusty]

If you take care of it, of course it will.

i mean...spec-wise. i always baby my electronics physically

 

[GGJstudios]

i mean...spec-wise. i always baby my electronics physically

Yes, spec-wise, as well. Most Mac users... in fact, most computer users... rarely reach or exceed the capabilities of their computers, except for things like extreme gaming or heavy multimedia work.

 

[pil0tflame]

will the current gen last me a good 4-5 years?

It'll work, but it really depends on what you're going to be developing. Typically, software development isn't incredibly demanding of hardware. Unless you're going to be writing massive programs, you can get away with fairly light hardware such as the 2010 MBA. If you're writing massive and complex programs in the future, you'll likely also be making good money that you can use to purchase a new system as needed.

Since you're just starting out (from the sound of it), I think a MBA as you describe is a good system for you.

One caveat: If you know you want to pursue 3D software development, look at the MacBook Pro 15" as you'll likely need a much more capable GPU than the MBA or MBP 13" provide.

 

[justywusty]

It'll work, but it really depends on what you're going to be developing. Typically, software development isn't incredibly demanding of hardware. Unless you're going to be writing massive programs, you can get away with fairly light hardware such as the 2010 MBA. If you're writing massive and complex programs in the future, you'll likely also be making good money that you can use to purchase a new system as needed.

Since you're just starting out (from the sound of it), I think a MBA as you describe is a good system for you.

One caveat: If you know you want to peruse 3D software development, look at the MacBook Pro 15" as you'll likely need a much more capable GPU than the MBA or MBP 13" provide.

What's a good example of 3D software...like a game with moving 3D graphics? If so...then not planning that at this point.

 

[pil0tflame]

What's a good example of 3D software...like a game with moving 3D graphics? If so...then not planning that at this point.

A 3d game is exactly what I mean. Or a 3d modelling program like zBrush, Maya or RenderMan.