iMac 5k or or new MacBook Pro + LG 5k

[restrex]

Hi guys,

I am an iOS developer, and I always use my pre-touchbar 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina attached to a 27-inch Dell 4k display, screen close, so no 4k rendering power on the MacBook's display. But I am now considering going retina for a big screen.

What would be best price & best performance for my iOS job? I just want to still get decent compile times.

5k iMac or MacBook Pro 13-inch w/o touchbar + LG 5k?


Thank you guys!


jp

 

[Tomorrow]

You might have better luck in the Buying Tips and Advice section.

 

[D.T.]

Well, the iMac will in many tasks have more CPU power vs. the 13" MBP (quad vs. dual, less heat throttling, etc.), and the iMac has +much+ more powerful GPU, and while that's not really relevant to compile times, it does affect driving big displays, other video/graphic intensive tasks, general operation.

However, the notebook vs. desktop for me is an easy equation: do you want to be tied to a desk or have the option to easily pick up and work at another location. Even for someone like me (developer, writer) who uses their MBP at a desk 95% of the time (full size KB, mouse, dual 24" displays), that 5% is well worth the notebook premium. FWIW, I'm using a 15", so my CPU/GPU performance is a good bit closer to an iMac (vs. a 13")

 

[restrex]

Well, the iMac will in many tasks have more CPU power vs. the 13" MBP (quad vs. dual, less heat throttling, etc.), and the iMac has +much+ more powerful GPU, and while that's not really relevant to compile times, it does affect driving big displays, other video/graphic intensive tasks, general operation.

However, the notebook vs. desktop for me is an easy equation: do you want to be tied to a desk or have the option to easily pick up and work at another location. Even for someone like me (developer, writer) who uses their MBP at a desk 95% of the time (full size KB, mouse, dual 24" displays), that 5% is well worth the notebook premium. FWIW, I'm using a 15", so my CPU/GPU performance is a good bit closer to an iMac (vs. a 13")

Thanks! This kinda helps me out. The thing is that I am almost never on the go. I could probably try to get a 12" MBP just for the rare cases where I need mobility.

Have a good one!


jp

 

[D.T.]

Thanks! This kinda helps me out. The thing is that I am almost never on the go. I could probably try to get a 12" MBP just for the rare cases where I need mobility.

Have a good one!


jp

A developer buddy of mine does something like that - basically if he's not at his desk, he's not writing code, so his "on the go" needs are just email/web/writing/entertainment so he just takes an iPad.

 

[iRaynor SK]

I'm running combo iMac 5K + iPad Pro, it works well

 

[restrex]

great, guys! thanks a lot, really

 

[az431]

I vote for iMac + iPad Pro combo as well

 

[spyguy10709]

Advocating here for a different route - refurb 15" macbook pro from the previous gen with your current display. I'm not all that convinced of the extra benefits of the 5K display. And the 15" gives you quad core on the go, and shouldn't really break your budget. Even though I have an iPad Pro 12", it's sometimes critically useful to have a real laptop that can run XCode on the go.

Your needs may differ, but that's my take on the price/use situation.

 

[Vjosullivan]

I am an iOS developer...

You don't need 5K from your Mac to develop software for iPhone and iPads.

I am now considering going retina for a big screen....

Why (other than because they're cool and you want one)?

I just want to still get decent compile times.

Then forget about 5K and just get the best iMac or MacBook you can afford (depending on your portability needs).

 

[Samuelsan2001]

The iMac will be faster last longer and has massive screen real estate if you don't need portability it's probably a no brainier. You have a MacBook for when you do need portability so I would say that's your best bet.

 

[jaduff46]

Agree with @Samuelsan2001 and @D.T. above. My iMac is 2010 non-Retina and does everything it's called on to do, including developing and running code. Have an iPad Air if I'm anywhere but the basement.

 

[fortuneteller33]

Hi guys,

I am an iOS developer, and I always use my pre-touchbar 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina attached to a 27-inch Dell 4k display, screen close, so no 4k rendering power on the MacBook's display. But I am now considering going retina for a big screen.

What would be best price & best performance for my iOS job? I just want to still get decent compile times.

5k iMac or MacBook Pro 13-inch w/o touchbar + LG 5k?


Thank you guys!


jp

I'm running the 5K iMac with the 12-inch MacBook for on-the-go. Couldn't be happier!

Word of advice, I strongly recommend at least the Fusion drive on the iMac if that's the route you take.

 

[maflynn]

Word of advice, I strongly recommend at least the Fusion drive on the iMac if that's the route you take.

SSD is my first suggestion, short of that, definitely the 2 TB Fusion. The 1TB fusion should be avoided given its meager 24GB of flash storage.

 

[fortuneteller33]

SSD is my first suggestion, short of that, definitely the 2 TB Fusion. The 1TB fusion should be avoided given its meager 24GB of flash storage.

Completely agree - that's why I said, "at least" ; )