Developing iPhone apps: New MB Air (2010) vs Refurb MBP?

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum (and currently a very avid PC user). Fret not, I won't convert, I'm only interested in getting a Mac for developing iPhone apps and DJing (serato scratch live).

I have a few questions to ask the SDK experts here
1) Is the new air worthy of developing iPhone software on?
2) Is there really that much difference between the MBP and the MBAir?

Here are my two choices:
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1. New Macbook Air 13"
Specs:
1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
4GB memory
128GB flash storage1
NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics

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2. Refurbished Macbook Pro @ £1,059
Specs:
Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display
4GB (2 x 2GB) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
320GB Serial ATA @ 5400 rpm
8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

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So what do you guys reckon?

I will mainly use it to develop iPhone apps, and to DJ with. As far as DJing goes, I know both would be just fine. I'll also be doing some light gaming + standard office stuff, for which both would be fine.

The only real difference I see is the 320gb 5400rpm vs 128gb SSD?

Cheers!
SineTwo

Anyone?

Sorry for bumping/rushing, but I'm planning on getting one today/tomorrow

You have to keep in mind that the "Air" series is a "what you buy is what you have to live with" type of machine. In other words, they are not user upgradeable. If you plan to develop apps for the iPhone or for the Mac, you will probably be better off with a machine that you can add memory to and possibly a larger hard drive if needed.

IMO, the "Air" is not a developer's machine although it could probably be used for that in a limited way.

Why would you want the air? coolness factor?

If using it for work I'd prefer the power/storage.

The air is for people who NEED the small form factor. If you are worried about price, go with the mbp13, otherwise, the only real good thing about the air is that it has an ssd. I would chose the mba for myself simply because I already have a mbp15.

Hi all,

Thanks for the reply and sorry for resurrecting an old thread. I went for the Air in the end