Is the MacBook good enough for me?

[tomoman]

I have owned iPhones and iPads over the past 8 years, but have never owned an Apple computer.

I work for a software company and our primary product is a Windows based application written entirely in Java. I was recently tasked with creating our first mobile applications. I decided to use Codename One since I have been coding in Java for the past 7 years and it provided the ability to create both iOS and Android apps using Java.

When I finally got to the point of submitting to the App Store I realized that I needed to have a Mac with either Xcode or Application Loader in order to do so. Luckily a few coworkers have Apple laptops so that's what I used for our initial submission.

Since this is something I will need to do often I was given the option to spec out a laptop. I have been looking at the 2016 MacBook along with the 2015 MBP 13" with Retina. I realize with the WWDC right around the corner that if I plan on getting the MBP then I should probably wait another month.

The MB is appealing because I will still be using my work and home PCs for any really intensive tasks and using the MacBook for submissions. It will be very easy to carry back and forth to work each day. In theory it would also be nice to mess around with Xcode in my spare time which I have to think would run fine on the MB.

I was basically hoping for some advice given all of this information. Thanks in advance!

 

[Pakaku]

If this is important for work, ignore WWDC and just pick up what you need at the moment. I really doubt there'll be anything noteworthy enough to postpone getting anything anyways.

 

[tomoman]

I think the bigger question is more of MB vs MBP as opposed to should I wait or not.

 

[onezeropoint]

I have owned iPhones and iPads over the past 8 years, but have never owned an Apple computer.

I have owned or had employment related use of several MacBooks or Macbook pros. My personal 11" MBA recently broke and I replaced it with the 2016 Macbook. As soon as I put Virtual Box on it, I was no longer happy. I need a computer that can handle more processing than the new Macbook can. Get a Pro now. If you can wait then by the Fall we may see newer thin models released. I can wait so I will. But if it's a critical work need, then the 13"or 15" Macbook pro Retina is a great choice.

 

[tomoman]

I have owned or had employment related use of several MacBooks or Macbook pros. My personal 11" MBA recently broke and I replaced it with the 2016 Macbook. As soon as I put Virtual Box on it, I was no longer happy. I need a computer that can handle more processing than the new Macbook can. Get a Pro now. If you can wait then by the Fall we may see newer thin models released. I can wait so I will. But if it's a critical work need, then the 13"or 15" Macbook pro Retina is a great choice.

I don't have a need for any virtualization software. It would primarily be used for browsing and Xcode development.

 

[onezeropoint]

I think Xcode is mostly a text editor. How much you compile could matter. I found talking with Apple sales overall to be helpful although I did receive slightly different answers to my inquiry. Also as I found, if you load and run the maximum software you intend to use you can return the purchase within 14 days. I'm basically happy enough with browsing and using MS Word. Even without Virtualization, my 2016 MacBook unexpectedly shut down a couple of times. Apple has released OS updates that aim to solve the crash problems. It's a nice machine. I wish it worked for me.

 

[Tomorrow]

I don't have a need for any virtualization software. It would primarily be used for browsing and Xcode development.

I would go with a MacBook Pro if you plan on doing any development. Browsing is a non-issue; a tablet can do that just fine.

 

[jashic01]

A macbook is just fine for what you're doing. Submitting to the Apple Store? We use 5-6 year old mac minis for that just fine. What you're really asking is:
- I need to carry two laptops. A PC and a Mac.
- I need to carry the Mac because I want to submit to the store.
- I may use it for some personal stuff, if I ever have the time, but likely won't.

The recent Macbook benchmarks very well for non-sustained CPU intensive tasks. So as long as you're not processing gigs of media or running 3D games, you're fine. In fact, you're more than fine. Anything more is based on the wishful thinking that you may one day create a blockbuster 3D game using Xcode and compile a program that's gigantic. It sounds like you're nowhere near that point. So do yourself a favor and get the lightest Mac available.

 

[tomoman]

A macbook is just fine for what you're doing. Submitting to the Apple Store? We use 5-6 year old mac minis for that just fine. What you're really asking is:
- I need to carry two laptops. A PC and a Mac.
- I need to carry the Mac because I want to submit to the store.
- I may use it for some personal stuff, if I ever have the time, but likely won't.

The recent Macbook benchmarks very well for non-sustained CPU intensive tasks. So as long as you're not processing gigs of media or running 3D games, you're fine. In fact, you're more than fine. Anything more is based on the wishful thinking that you may one day create a blockbuster 3D game using Xcode and compile a program that's gigantic. It sounds like you're nowhere near that point. So do yourself a favor and get the lightest Mac available.

Oh my god how do you know me so well?

 

[keysofanxiety]

I don't have a need for any virtualization software. It would primarily be used for browsing and Xcode development.

MacBook Pro, 13" at a minimum. Don't get the Retina MacBook. That's a computer that prioritises portability over power.

Yeah, people will say that 'it will work fine'. Doesn't discount the fact that the more power, the better, and quicker. Again I'd wait until WWDC to see if they update anything. Regardless if you're looking for a purchase now, the 15" rMBP is guaranteed to handle anything you can throw at it.

If portability is a big factor, the 13" rMBP isn't exactly a back-breaking burden, plus it's practically the thinness of a USB port. And if it's your first Mac, buy as powerful as you can for the purpose of longevity.