iOS Most affordable Mac for programming NOW for iOS

[MyMcMac]

I already know how to program in general but need an Apple Computer for compiling and working with xCode. I will also learn how to code for iOS. Usually there is the macMini recommendation, but I would like to have a system which I could carry with me, it should have an SSD. The Air is in a mid cycle, and the retina is kind of expensive. What would you recommend me? Or is it highly likely there will be another model coming out soon?

Is running the emulator for iPad Retina taking lots of resources on the computer, or can an Macbook Air handle it? Are all models fast enough for coding on the Mac?

 

[s2mikey]

IMO, the Mac Book Air would work but I'd try and go for a MacBook Pro instead. It's a more powerful machine and the display alone is worth the cost difference. I have a 13" rMBP and work with XCode on it. It's great for development.

I have the i5 with 8GB or RAM and a 256 SSD. Love it.

So, if you can swing it, get yourself a Pro versus the Air for development. You'll appreciate the performance improvements.

 

[MyMcMac]

Do you also use the xcode emulator on your macbook for ipad retina development and are both display resolution and speed good enough? I currently don't own one and I would like to develope and test my apps for both phones and tablets.

 

[s2mikey]

Do you also use the xcode emulator on your macbook for ipad retina development and are both display resolution and speed good enough? I currently don't own one and I would like to develope and test my apps for both phones and tablets.

Nope, I do not.

Sipped and resolution are excellent on my machine. I'm not doing anything major at this point either, mainly learning. Everything works great though, so far! I could see a professional developer possibly needing more tools and possibly more power though. Depends on what you are doing.