Which Macbook for developer?

[Gromo]

Hi,

some background. I have PC with Windows for gaming and currently I am hobbyist developing on it. The main problem with this sytem is Windows 10 Home version which does not allow me to do some things.

I am looking for laptop. Situation describes before tightens my choice to laptop Linux or OSX. Problems with laptop drivers on Linux is well known and laptop made for work with linux (Dell I am looking at you) costs same as apple one so I choose to give Tim Cook a chance.

I am looking for laptop mainly for developing apps for iOS/Android and writing apps in Java. I do not need too much power because I already have powerful PC. I was thinking about upcoming 2020's 13/14" Macbook Pro in one of the cheapest option. I was thinking about getting Macbook Air last year but they raised price and for me, getting laptop with 2 cores looks like bad idea. Especialy when I may add some and get Pro.

What would you reccomend?

 

[grachi]

you can code on a MBA. if you're going to do it, get a 2019 though and maybe get 16 gb RAM over 8. Yea the CPU isn't as strong as upgraded 2019 MBPs, doesn't really add all that much to compiling time. At least in my experience. The 16'' MBP on the other hand will chew through anything you throw at it though. Its the only MBP worth getting of the current generation, in my opinion. it's also... quite an investment.

If you're going to get a MBP though, which is the better option for programming tbh as its just a quicker laptop, its probably better to just wait for the 2020 13''/14'' MBP. Besides the butterfly keyboard issues, there have been some other hardware related issues on the 19 13'' MBP. I've heard stuff about power supply and faulty screens myself.

 

[Gromo]

you can code on a MBA. if you're going to do it, get a 2019 though and maybe get 16 gb RAM over 8. Yea the CPU isn't as strong as upgraded 2019 MBPs, doesn't really add all that much to compiling time. At least in my experience. The 16'' MBP on the other hand will chew through anything you throw at it though. Its the only MBP worth getting of the current generation, in my opinion. it's also... quite an investment.

You are recommending 16gb of ram over 8 but what is the main reason behind it?
Isn't 8gb enough for IDE and emulating iOS/android phone?

Also are macbooks pro with 16gb better than 8gb like air that you are talking about?

 

[grachi]

sure, so 8 GB RAM is good if you have one or two programs open. if you have several tabs of a web browser open, Spotify, and you are in an IDE and emulating a phone, the 16 GB will go a longer way... I have 8gb in my MBA and I have to watch how many tabs I have open as well as other programs and in general. I try not to go over 3 programs and 3 safari tabs. Just my opinion.

a MacBook Pro with 16gb will be better than an 8gb air yes, that is just simple comparison talking there. MBPs have better processors as well, significantly better if you don't get the base 13'' MBP.