mini - new mac mini for programming

DAL80 · DAL80 #1 (**permalink**)

03-08-2009, 02:14 PM

First off, its been a long time since I have used a mac and need some advice from current users. I have been searching forums, but can't seem to make up my mind.

Basically, I am looking for something that will handle programming specifically for macs/iphones (xcode mostly) without going overboard and have the option to upgrade down the road as necessary.

I have been looking at the mac mini, but I am not sure if that would be my best option for the price. For those that use a mini for programming, have you ran into issues and what should I look at for minimum specs.

Thanks for the advice.

vansmith · vansmith #2 (**permalink**)

03-08-2009, 02:20 PM

I don't use a Mini but your best bet would be to find the Xcode system requirements (sorry, can't find them right now) and compare them to the specs found on the Mini.

DAL80 · DAL80 #3 (**permalink**)

03-08-2009, 03:20 PM

I know that xcode v 3 is bundled with OS X v 10.5, but is just not installed. Never thought to look specifically at the specs on the xcode, I will have to see what I can dig up. As for the minimum specs, that was more of a generic as the mac running smoothly.

scathe · scathe #4 (**permalink**)

03-08-2009, 03:28 PM

you mentioned upgrading, the only thing you will be able to upgrade is RAM and hard drive, it's not a classic tower, but it is quite capable and I think you will be able to run iPhone development smoothly

but definitely go with 2gigs of ram to begin with, better to get additional RAM from NewEgg or Crucial since it is cheaper, but that's your call

Edit: If Xcode has any minimal requirements, it won't be anything high

vansmith · vansmith #5 (**permalink**)

03-08-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scathe

you mentioned upgrading, the only thing you will be able to upgrade is RAM and hard drive, it's not a classic tower, but it is quite capable and I think you will be able to run iPhone development smoothly

but definitely go with 2gigs of ram to begin with, better to get additional RAM from NewEgg or Crucial since it is cheaper, but that's your call

Absolutely. Apple charges and arm and a leg for RAM.

Before you do this though, you are going to have to get a little creative with the replacement as opening up the mini and replacing the RAM is not like doing so on a regular tower. My advice would be to read some guides online first to make sure you feel comfortable with doing this yourself.

scathe · scathe #6 (**permalink**)

03-08-2009, 04:13 PM

never underestimate the power of money-saving

vansmith #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,331 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	03-08-2009, 02:20 PM I don't use a Mini but your best bet would be to find the Xcode system requirements (sorry, can't find them right now) and compare them to the specs found on the Mini. Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
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DAL80 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 08, 2009 Posts: 2	03-08-2009, 02:14 PM First off, its been a long time since I have used a mac and need some advice from current users. I have been searching forums, but can't seem to make up my mind. Basically, I am looking for something that will handle programming specifically for macs/iphones (xcode mostly) without going overboard and have the option to upgrade down the road as necessary. I have been looking at the mac mini, but I am not sure if that would be my best option for the price. For those that use a mini for programming, have you ran into issues and what should I look at for minimum specs. Thanks for the advice.
	QUOTE Thanks

scathe #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 12, 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,096 Mac Specs: 2,4Ghz 15" unibody	03-08-2009, 03:28 PM you mentioned upgrading, the only thing you will be able to upgrade is RAM and hard drive, it's not a classic tower, but it is quite capable and I think you will be able to run iPhone development smoothly but definitely go with 2gigs of ram to begin with, better to get additional RAM from NewEgg or Crucial since it is cheaper, but that's your call Edit: If Xcode has any minimal requirements, it won't be anything high
	QUOTE Thanks

scathe #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 12, 2009 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 1,096 Mac Specs: 2,4Ghz 15" unibody	03-08-2009, 04:13 PM never underestimate the power of money-saving
	QUOTE Thanks

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