Which MacBook for Student and iOS Programming?

Eevee on 18/12/2019 - 15:21

I have to now buy a Macbook for uni as I am about to undertake a subject for iOS programming. It's unfortunate that I actually bought a cheap Lenovo which gets deals regularly here and now looks like I need to get a Macbook.

I want something that is good value but also useful for future programming as I do want to become a mobile app developer for both Android and iOS.

I am thinking of getting a Macbook, but unsure if I should get an air/pro or what year to even buy.

To me, it looks like since 2015, the ports have been a bit mucked up with no USB A or HDMI. You also have the touchbar on some models. So I'm thinking to get a Macbook Pro 2015.

Are there any other suggestions for getting a Macbook for programming?

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • crentist on 18/12/2019 - 16:30
    +1

    2014/2015 pro should be great. Nice machines, they are well built and usable for a long time, so you'd still get heaps of use out of them. I've had a few used pros, all worked well, even the one that looked very broken.
    Ebay prices look to be around $600-800, which isn't super cheap, but not the eye-watering kick in the balls of a newer model. And then after a year you could probably about break even if you wanted to sell and upgrade it.

    • Daabido on 18/12/2019 - 16:35

      I love Apple, but I'm almost always doing what crentist suggests. I do miss that ticklish feeling of an Apple logoed steel cap boot being slammed into my bits though.

  • Cave Fire on 18/12/2019 - 16:44

    Definitely Pro imo. You probably want to check to if an ssd + ram etc can be installed. Plus how much ram is installed in the first place… Certain Air models have ram soldered in and can't be upgraded. Here's a video about building a $240 USD 2012 macbook pro from ebay that can edit 4k video. Link It just needs more ram + an sdd etc in general, however this one was made with 4k editing as a priority. I used to have a mid 2010 that is just slightly outdated now but was very usuable with a Samsung evo ssd + 8gb ram installed. try gumtree, facebook marketplace and ebay for deals.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 18/12/2019 - 17:14

    Just get the Mac Pro for ~85k and then vnc/remote desktop into it from the Lenovo.

    • Gerry H on 18/12/2019 - 17:39

      uni student pays $10k for course material

  • yk300 on 18/12/2019 - 18:14

    definitely not the Air. They still have the same design as 8 years ago. I would stay away from the butterfly keyboard too. I think that just leaves the Macbook Pro

  • WreckTangle on 18/12/2019 - 19:09

    Install MacOS on your Lenovo

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join