What is the best option for a budding developer?

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Level 1

12 points

What is the best option for a budding developer?

I have always used Windows computers, even as most recently I had purchased a Lenovo laptop only to be disappointed with it's overall performance when running minimal windows and the quick degradation of the hard drive. I have finally made the decision to upgrade to a Mac of some sort, being that when compared to all other options on the market right now, Mac's (laptop or desktop) seem to be the superior computers. I am new to Mac's (using my girlfriend's Macbook Air and loving it for it's smoothness) and programming development, in general. I recently started working for a web design firm, Tag Team Design doing web design, SEO marketing, web development, app development, etc... So when working on a computer at home I normally will have many windows open at a time while working in a development environment. Which Mac is going to be the best option for me? I don't know how much power I will really need plus I can always get an external hard drive for extra storage. Please give me your feedback so I can finally figure this out!!!

MacBook Pro, iOS 11.1.2

Posted on Dec 1, 2017 11:25 AM

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Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

124,418 points

Dec 2, 2017 4:40 AM in response to tavishttd

A Core I7 Retina Display 15 inch MacBook Pro with 256GB minimum internal SSD (more if you have the budget). Quad-core CPU to handle more concurrent processes, and higher performance, discrete GPU to reduce lag on multiple windows with web browsers, or web design tools.

You can connect to external displays at work, or home, and a quality IPS 27 inch display would provide more real estate for web design purposes, while reducing eye strain. The latter is a factor that you should not ignore, any more than the work/life balance. The MacBook Pro can drive multiple external displays, and you may find that at work, this can be a big benefit.

If you are going to perform web design on the Mac, understand who the target browser and operating system audience is going to be, and this may require that you have a Virtual Machine with those operating systems running as a guest, and even iOS and Android hand-held devices for testing responsive design.

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Answer 2

Kappy

Level 10

362,023 points

Dec 1, 2017 11:30 AM in response to tavishttd

If it doesn't have to be portable then the 27" 5K model would provide a lot of screen real estate for multiple open windows. Furthermore, the desktops are faster than the laptops. But if you must have a laptop then I would suggest a 15" screen model.

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Answer 3

tavishttd Author

Level 1

12 points

Dec 1, 2017 11:35 AM in response to tavishttd

That's where I'm having the problem, is deciding whether I need the mobility or not. Part of me thinks the mobility aspect is just a conformity thing because I see macbooks around constantly (even though I know there's actual advantages to it). I think if I'm thinking realistically, then a desktop is probably the best route. I have been keeping up somewhat with the new 5K model and it really does look great, so maybe that is the best option for me. Thank you!

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,023 points

Dec 1, 2017 11:54 AM in response to tavishttd

You can always be like me: I have the iMac and a laptop, and I'm retired almost 18 years. I don't use the laptop much. Only when traveling which I do only twice a year.

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