Member Avatar for givemethemac

So my next problem is what mac is right and reliable for me?
I will be using my mac for:
- Writing word/pages docs
- Programming in C++ , Objective-c , Java and more
- Game development
- Powerpoint/keynote presentations
- A little bit of PhotoShop
- Music and personal uses
- A little gaming on steam

So what mac is right for me, the most things I will be using on my mac is programming, Game development , Presintations , word processing and daniweb.
Please answer as fast as you can , my budget is 1350$.

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A short, up-to-date addendum for and anyone reading this years later: the biggest change since these replies is Apple silicon. Modern M-series chips (M2, M3, M4 and later) put very capable CPU and GPU power into both ultraportables and small desktops, so the practical choice is now more about portability and upgrade path than raw single-core CPU speed. For a $1,350 budget the two best practical options are a MacBook Air (newer M4/M3 or a well-specced M2 on sale) if portability matters, or a Mac mini if you already own a monitor/keyboard and want the best specs for the money. MacBook Air and Mac mini pages show the current configurations and capabilities. (apple.com)

Recommended configs and why: aim for 16 GB unified memory and at least 512 GB SSD if you plan to compile big C++/Java projects, run Xcode builds, or keep Photoshop project files and game assets locally. Apple silicon Macs use unified, soldered memory, so buy the RAM you need up front — it cannot be upgraded later. Xcode and most major creative apps (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.) run natively on Apple silicon and benefit from it, so a properly configured Air or mini will handle programming, presentations, and modest Photoshop work very well. ()

Game development and Windows-only games: Mac gaming and porting have improved (Apple provides a Game Porting Toolkit and tooling), but Boot Camp no longer works on M-series Macs. If you need to run Windows-only tools or titles, use a VM solution such as Parallels (Windows on ARM via virtualization) or keep a separate Windows PC for heavy, Windows-native gaming. If your work will demand heavy GPU/real-time ray tracing (high-end Unreal/3D), pro machines (Mac Studio or 14/16-inch MacBook Pro with Pro/Max chips) are the right fit — they typically start well above $1,350, so consider refurbished Apple-certified units or an external/cloud build machine as budget-friendly alternatives. (parallels.com)

Notes tied to this thread: and were right that a mini is great value if you have peripherals; and were also correct that modern Airs handle coding well. Given current silicon and software, choose the form factor you need, then spend the money on memory and SSD capacity rather than small CPU upgrades.

Recommended Answers

All 12 Replies

Member Avatar for rubberman

If you need portability, get a Macbook Pro - prices start at $1199. If you have a nice monitor and don't need portability, get a Mac Mini - prices range from $599 to $999. Then there is the integrated iMac - 21" models start at $1299. Here is a link to the Apple Store: http://store.apple.com/us?cid=oas-us-domains-applestore.com

Member Avatar for Matto80

I think you could do that work all pretty well on a MacBook air.
Great battery life and super light!
The only thing that suffers a bit might be the gaming... but I think you should be fine. Maybe bump the ram for the Photoshop...

Member Avatar for tompatrick

Go for Mac Mini, reliable easy to operate Mac system. I have one and use it for exactly what you do.

Member Avatar for jsixface

Mac Mini. You can go for a high configuration, and a good monitor.
A wireless keyboard/mouse will cost you $20. This will be cost effective and give you high performance

Member Avatar for JessieMay

Macbook Pro.

Member Avatar for govindadev

indeed, excellent post. thanks for the advice. this post obviously helpful all others. as like as i like the mac book pro. had you the Adequate money i also recommended you to buy macbook pro. if someone interested or anyone will staying with any kinds of apple product Best of luck for them.

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Member Avatar for john-carter

If you need portability, then get a MacBook Pro-price starts from $1299. It has 2.7 GHz of Processor, 128 GB of storage space and has in-built battery life of 10 hours.

Additionally, you can run Game development, Photoshop, and do other important personal stuff very easily.

Member Avatar for bflan

I do all of that except for game development on my Macbook Air with no problems.

Member Avatar for jeffmarkel

Given your stated usages, I'd suggest a 15" MBP with Retina display, with the optional 1TB SSD.

Member Avatar for ChrisRogers

I bought a Macbook Air last year. It helped me a lot. Programming and playing games is so agreeable.

Member Avatar for rubberman

My wife is a physicist and her systems are all Mac's - a Mac Pro for work-type stuff, and iBook for gaming, internet, and such. Assuming you have a good monitor, keyboard, and mouse, then a mini is a good deal for the price.

Member Avatar for fallout4player

the MacBook air ok is ok, upgrade the ram though. I have heard about something like external graphics.
look up the razoer blade stealth pc. it uses thunderbolt to connect to a external graphics card. who knows, this may work with a mac.

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