Want to try Coding.

Should be fine. Keep in mind you probably have to invest into a new battery if you're buying second hand.

gomattgo said:

Hi guys and gals,

I want to have a go at coding/programming in Xcode but I haven't got a MacBook. I don't want to spend to much money on a MBP but also I don't want to find that the MBP that I've brought is no good for the job. So really I'm asking for advice to avoid any pitfalls really.

I just want to buy a 2nd-hand one at the moment, just to start off with. I'm looking at something like:
Apple macbook pro 15.4 inch screen 2.4ghz Inter core 2 duo processor 2008, has the following spec. Model A1260
200GB Hard Drive, 2GB Ram, Osx Snow Leopard.

It's only 300 quid, would something like this be okay?

Cheers!

Click to expand...

Why not run xcode in a VM?

Example:http://www.uaialternativa.com/mac-mountain-xcode-windows/

gomattgo said:

Hi guys and gals,

I want to have a go at coding/programming in Xcode but I haven't got a MacBook. I don't want to spend to much money on a MBP but also I don't want to find that the MBP that I've brought is no good for the job. So really I'm asking for advice to avoid any pitfalls really.

I just want to buy a 2nd-hand one at the moment, just to start off with. I'm looking at something like:
Apple macbook pro 15.4 inch screen 2.4ghz Inter core 2 duo processor 2008, has the following spec. Model A1260
200GB Hard Drive, 2GB Ram, Osx Snow Leopard.

It's only 300 quid, would something like this be okay?

Cheers!

Click to expand...

Run from nVidia equipped 2007/2008 MBP like you would from the bubonic plague. You're buying a ticking time bomb whose logicboard can and will kick the bucket at a moment's notice.

Buy something more recent, you'll thank me.

I believe Snow Leopard comes with the previous version of XCode and you must buy the update. If you're going to learn something, there's no sense sticking info in your head that's already out of date. Unless you plan on updating to the free Mavericks. But I don't know that 2GB RAM is ideal for Mavericks.

Personally, I'd buy a new or recent refurbished mini, to play around with programming. Unless you need the portability for some reason.

qtx43 said:

I believe Snow Leopard comes with the previous version of XCode and you must buy the update. If you're going to learn something, there's no sense sticking info in your head that's already out of date. Unless you plan on updating to the free Mavericks. But I don't know that 2GB RAM is ideal for Mavericks.

Personally, I'd buy a new or recent refurbished mini, to play around with programming. Unless you need the portability for some reason.

Click to expand...

Good point on the Mac mini as far as an economical choice. Last year I wanted to get one for the family to use, so I started keeping an eye on Craigslist. Found a lightly used one from a good seller, complete with Applecare. Great deal. Apple even replaced the wireless keyboard which was going on the fritz because it was originally purchased with the Mini.

I also recommend to stay away from the 2007/2008 batch of MBPs, in particular those that came with the 8600M GT Nvidia graphics card. This card is well known to have caused many logic board failures that render the machines unusable.

Another argument for a newer machine is the support for more modern OSX versions. While the 2007/8 MBPs are still supported by Mavericks, I could imagine that the next version might drop support.

Something used from 2010/2011 or a mac mini might be good options. I would mostly look for 13'' machines - they are cheaper and the 2011 15'' models are already showing signs of increased GPU failures.