Cheapest Mac Possible

I need a Mac for iOS development and I need the cheapest possible build cause I am po:
*Preferably laptop
*Must have OSX Snow Leopard or Higher, iOS SDK requirement.
*I'm focusing on Mobile Development so I don't think ram and cpu matter that much
*WiFi and USBs, but I don't need optical drive, vga, or hdmi(or w.e Apple uses)

Just to be 100% clear. Are you only interested in a new computer…or new or used?

And can you give us an idea of your max. budget?

- Nick

Just a note - you don't need a Mac to do iOS development. Unless you absolutely need to use Apple's tools, there are numerous well supported and high quality cross-platform frameworks (including, but not limited to, PhoneGap/Cordova and Flex). I only mention this as a means of saving you some money if you've already got a computer.

My max budget is probably 800 USD, and I mainly need it for iOS developer jobs.

Check out the Apple Refurbished store - that is one suggestion.

Refurbished MacBook Air 13" - Apple Certified Refurbished Notebook Computers - Apple Store (U.S.)

Or you can check out eBay:

Apple Macbook pro in Computer Graphics and Video Cards | eBay

Craig's list can be a source but I have never felt brave enough to chance it.

You can get a decent used Macbook Pro for $800

Lisa

8ync said:

My max budget is probably 800 USD, and I mainly need it for iOS developer jobs.

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You didn't answer the new or used question.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

You didn't answer the new or used question.

- Nick

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Oh, used is fine, I don't have a preference.

Unless you want to be kicking yourself later for wasting money, I'd strongly suggest something no earlier than 2012. A used MacBook Air or Mac mini, or better yet a refurb, that is in your budget would be your best choice. Try to get as much RAM as possible. Refurbs are waaaay better because they have warranties, are eligible for AppleCare extended warranty, and are recent enough that they run the latest tools and should be supported for future versions for a while to come. Gotta think ahead.

lclev said:

Craig's list can be a source but I have never felt brave enough to chance it.

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Go for it! You're computer savvy enough to know what to inspect for & test.

Did my latest Craig's List used computer deal on Friday. Got a 2011 13" MacBook Air. It's an upgrade for my wife.

- Nick

How much you pay for that one Nick - have been procrastinating, but need to sell mine...

bobtomay said:

How much you pay for that one Nick - have been procrastinating, but need to sell mine...

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The Craig's List seller was asking $650…I offered $450. Seller countered with $500…I maintained my $450 offer. Seller said ok.

I checked eBay before buying just to be sure of its current value. The range was about $450 to $810 (these were the "extreme extremes"). Most were selling for around $550-$650.

This is a 2011 13" MacBook Air. 4gig ram, 256gig flash storage, 1.8ghz i7 CPU (just like yours I think). It's in great shape (no dings, dents, scratches, etc.). Had about 475 charge cycles on the battery. Original box as well. Power cord was repaired with electrical tape (dumb cat damage)!

HTH,

- Nick

That was a great buy Nick at a great price.

If I ever decide to purchase from someone on Craig's list I will take a male relative with me - husband or son. I am not afraid of my ability to evaluate a computer. It is the lack of levels of safety.

Lisa

lclev said:

If I ever decide to purchase from someone on Craig's list I will take a male relative with me - husband or son. I am not afraid of my ability to evaluate a computer. It is the lack of levels of safety.

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Ok…didn't realize you were talking safety in your earlier post.

I always meet at a place like McDonald's (inside)…Panera Bread, Starbuck's, etc. For two reasons. For safety and for the free WiFi to test the devices WiFi. If purchasing a used iPhone, iPad, or notebook (the majority of deals these days)…no problems. If purchasing a used desktop (and want to see it operate first)…this can be a bit more complicated.

But believe it or not…I purchased a used 27" iMac once…and we met inside a McDonald's. Found an outlet…and tested it out. You can't imagine how BIG a 27" iMac seems…until you have one perched on top of a table at a McDonald's.

Feels a bit awkward! But worth it for the safety and no shenanigans!!!

- Nick

I'd say that's a real good price.

"Get er done" Tom. Post it for sale…and see what you get.

- Nick