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Which model for programming?

S

seerex11

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 9, 2014
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Hello all,

I am about to purchase a new macbook, whose main purpose will be Xcode programming and web-development, as well as some slight video editing in iMovie.

Which model would you recommend to me? i was thinking of going with just the normal Macbook that comes in different color options, but don't know if it is powerful enough. Also been thinking about the Air, but seeing as it is already 2 years old im not sure, but it does save me some cash. I do think the new macbook pro with that touch bar is far too overpriced.

What do you think?

Thank you very much.
 
Don't go for the Air. Nice and capable machine, but your eyes will love you if you go retina way. Just buy the m5 version and you will be fine. I use mine for development, and I love it :)
 
I develop on the 12" rMB. You can always hook to a large monitor when you are at office / home, though I find I don't really need to.

Now, having said that, if the Touchbar makes it, at some point we will need to get a machine with that, so we can test. BUT, i'm hoping it is just a fad and doesn't stick around ... ;-)
 
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Oh okay so the MacBook is just fine for development? I really like the gold design, and it is relatively cheap. Just a little concerned with the m3 1.1 ghz processor but I guess it is fine for Xcode?

Alternatively I could go for the cheapest MacBook Pro 13", but will need to shell out more money and the design is just the standard color.
 
The MacBook should be okay for light development, but don't forget that it's an ultraportable and anything heavier will take its time. What about the 2015 rMBP? They're much more powerful than the MacBook and more reasonably priced than the new rMBP.

And yeah, leave the Air out. A lovely machine, but the screen..
 
What do you mean it is an ultra portable?

I think the choice is between the MacBook M3 or the MacBook pro 2016 cheapest model without the touch bar.

The pro is a little more expensive but comes with what seems lots of more power. Portability is not my biggest concern, as I might not even move it more then once every 2-3 days. But I really like the look of that gold MacBook xD
 
I used the m3 this past semester for a TON of Xcode and Unreal Editor programming. It handles it fine. It's not a speed demon, but it won't slow the machine down either.
 
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