Q: Which is better for my work Retina or Pro
Hi,
I need advise for buying a Macbook laptop....
My work involves developing software for both linux and windows systems, the software I develop usually require connectivity to external hardware via ethernet and serial RS 232 ports, apart from this for windows I have several special software which I use for programming PLCs for use in industries, and also software IDEs for embedded systems like Cypress, Microchip etc.
Linux I primarily use for developing applications for beaglebone and raspberry computers.
Using a Mac system means I can also develop on Xcode for Mac OSx systems, something I have been wanting to do for a long time.
I intend to run these operating systems (Windows and Linux) as guest systems using VirtualBox, with Mac OSx as the host.
Since I also have to travel a lot servicing installed machinery (requires Windows) I would prefer a laptop instead of a desktop, so I have decided on the following configuration.
MacBook Pro Laptop
- 2.9 Ghz Dual Core i7, Turbo boost upt 3.6 Ghz
- 8GB 1600Mhz, DDR3 RAM
- 1 TB Serial ATA Hard disk @ 5400 RPM
I don't need many accessories as I already have a brand new Kensington trackball mouse, if required I may use an external HDMI monitor (26 inch) for my office.
My questions are as follows.
1. Does the above configuration support Virtualisation ?, I would like to VirtualBox for this, is this possible with the above specs ?
2. Ethernet RJ45 connectivity is very important for me as I require this to connect to various industrial PLCs, besides I have Ethernet I/P simulation software that needs this port. I see that my configuration does not have an ethernet port, so how do I connect via ethernet ? Is there an Ethernet adapter available ? What possible limitations are there compared to a in-built one ?
3. Can the Ethernet port be customised via Mac OSx, by customise I mean changing IP address, DHCP/Static, Gateway IP Address ], Subnet mask etc. Can these settings be changed ?
4. I would like to increase my RAM to 16GB (or above) I use 16GB currently, I feel this is essential for running Virtual systems.
5. Can the HDMI support a full fledged HD monitor of 26 inches ?
6. Is Retina better than Pro ?, I won't be upgrading my laptop, once I have the required RAM and hard disk.
7. Since this will be my work computer, what is the approximate years apple is going to support this laptop ? Will support for the laptop be dropped in later years ? I have a Ipad Gen 1, which is totally un-useableas it cannot be upgraded. Will my laptop end up like this in 5 years time ??
Rest of the specs look OK to me, 1 TB is better as virtual systems consume lot of disk space, speed may not be a consideration as I would leave the laptop ON, or in hibernate mode, this I believe extends the life of the hard disk. Battery life is not a consideration as I would leave my laptop plugged in all time.
Please advise what you think....
thanks
a
Posted on Aug 15, 2016 9:33 PM
It's unknown at this time whether there will be a hardware update for the Macbook Pros. It's not unlikely, but no way to know for sure yet. Generally its not a new OS that dictates a Hardware Update.
The Current Macbook Pro is perfectly capable of running Sierra though.
So it comes down to whether you can wait a month to find out if a new model of Macbook Pro is released or not.
Posted on Aug 16, 2016 7:20 PM