Macbook Air for programming

[CBX]

Hi:

Just wondering if anyone knows how the Air (either Rev A or B) stands up to programming, specifically using IDE's like JDeveloper or Eclipse.

Im undecided between the Macbook (which I would upgrade to 4GB) and the Air (purely because I really like the form factor).

I know the Macbook would be the better performer but wondered if the Air could cut it for such tasks.

JDeveloper states system requirements of 2GB. I have used JDeveloper on a windows box with 2GB - I would hope this would mean it would be OK on the Air? Just looking for some real world experience as its not something I can try in the Apple Store (I think)?

If only there was a BTO option of 4GB with the Air!

[pstoehr]

Hi,

Hi:

Just wondering if anyone knows how the Air (either Rev A or B) stands up to programming, specifically using IDE's like JDeveloper or Eclipse.

I'm using a Rev B, 186GHz SSD.
Up to now I had no real problems using XCode, Eclipse and NetBeans even for larger projects. The only drawback is the small screen, but working at home with a 24" Cinema Display is really great!

Using VMware even Visual Stuido 2008 is runnig fast enough for some smaller C# projects.

If only there was a BTO option of 4GB with the Air!
Unfortunately not ...

Best regards
Peter

[sookainian]

Yes, i'm using Visual Stuido 2008 on Parallels Desktop. Works fine. No lag or what so ever.

But it will run smoother if you use it with Boot Camp.

[CBX]

Thanks for the info Peter.

I thought Eclipse would be Ok as its (in comparison) a fairly small footprint compared to JDev.

JDev on the other hand can be quite unperformant on larger projects.

Its interesting that you are able to run both vmware and VS2008 without any issue (at least on smaller projects).

It sounds like it would be enough for what I would need - just wondering if I could get away with the HD version as the SSD is pretty $$

BTW Have you tried using virtualbox as an alternative to vmware?

[CBX]

Yes, i'm using Visual Stuido 2008 on Parallels Desktop. Works fine. No lag or what so ever.

But it will run smoother if you use it with Boot Camp.


Are you using the Rev B SSD too?

[sookainian]

Are you using the Rev B SSD too?

Rev A or B is the 1st gen MacBook Air ??

Mine is the 1st gen Macbook Air 1.6ghz 80GB. Not the SSD model, i got it on Feb 2008.

[pstoehr]

HI,
Thanks for the info Peter.
BTW Have you tried using virtualbox as an alternative to vmware?
no. I'm working as Professor at a Univeristy that why I get VMware free of charge ;-)

Best regards
Peter

[CBX]

Ah! I suggested Virtualbox as it was free:)

[CBX]

Rev A or B is the 1st gen MacBook Air ??

Mine is the 1st gen Macbook Air 1.6ghz 80GB. Not the SSD model, i got it on Feb 2008.

Wow - I only expected the 2nd Gen to be able to run that well - thanks for the info.

Makes my decision harder as I guess now I should consider the 1st Gen refurb!

[pstoehr]

Hi MBX,

do you think that the 80GByte disc is enough for you.

Greetings from Bavaria
Peter

[CBX]

Im not sure if 80GB would be enough for me TBH. If i went down that road I think I may have to increase the HD size.

[flipside217]

Ah! I suggested Virtualbox as it was free:)

totally forgot about that one, thank you!. Anybody know the performance comparision on vs vm fusion? I'm running a rev A 1.6 80.

[pstoehr]

Hi,

some students have tried virtulabox on a MB (2.4GHz) and a MBP.
Windows XP works fine.
The performace of these installations was not impressive compared to vmware running on my MBA. Compiling some C# programs on my MBA was not noticable slower than the MB using virtualbox.

Best regards
Peter

[MorningZ]

I too can vouch for Visual Studio 08 running fine on the Air (mine's the 1.8 gHz and 64 SSD)

little sluggish to built and "catch up" in Intellisense when running via VMWare Fusion, but runs excellent when booted into Windows directly (running an nLite'd version of XP Home)

I'm a Microsoft guy in Apple's world, so I have no advice or experience with XCode or the like

[ddemuth]

I recently bought the 1.8 gHz and 64 SSD MacBook Air online at the Apple Store for $1,299. It's Revision A and I have no problems with it at all. I don't do much Java development anymore -- thank god -- so I'm sorry I can't respond to the OP. However, if anyone else finds this thread after searching google (it's the first when searching for "Programming on a MacBook Air") my blog post may be of some use.

I have a few screen-shots up with Textmate, a Browser, and terminal, all open at once and switching w/ spaces. It works out well for me and couldn't ask for more in something so small and light.
http://ddemuth.blogspot.com/2009/02/programming-on-macbook-air.html

My primary programming laptops in the past have been a 17" Dell XPS and a 15.4" Lenovo T61p.

[SSkky Reader]

Thanks for this post and thread. I wasn't to sure about my Air when it arrives in the mail but I'm sure the 1.86 SSD version should hold up to some intense c++/c along with PHP Java Script and AJAX.... I'll use my shell scripting and UNIX & open GL variations on My Mac Pro. I did find it interesting that your doing python also on a 1st gen Air. Anyway thanks for the thread and some of the post on this forum;)
:apple:



I recently bought the 1.8 gHz and 64 SSD MacBook Air online at the Apple Store for $1,299. It's Revision A and I have no problems with it at all. I don't do much Java development anymore -- thank god -- so I'm sorry I can't respond to the OP. However, if anyone else finds this thread after searching google (it's the first when searching for "Programming on a MacBook Air") my blog post may be of some use.

I have a few screen-shots up with Textmate, a Browser, and terminal, all open at once and switching w/ spaces. It works out well for me and couldn't ask for more in something so small and light.
http://ddemuth.blogspot.com/2009/02/programming-on-macbook-air.html

My primary programming laptops in the past have been a 17" Dell XPS and a 15.4" Lenovo T61p.

[sanPietro98]

XCode and Eclipse work fine on my 1st geb MBA (1.6, HDD).

No lags, no issues, no overheating.

[eddietr]

I use Eclipse and JBoss A/S on a RevA daily. Works great.

And use XCode on this at least 5-6 hours a week.

[manhattanboy]

I have revB SSD and xcode runs fine... its great to be able to whip out some code while eating a burrito and sipping soda... gotta love the air :cool: