Hello everyone,
First post here on Macrumors. I use a Mac Pro at work for iOS development and graphic design. Now that my four-year old Thinkpad is dying it's time for an upgrade, and I'd like to purchase an iMac mainly for the ability to develop iOS applications at home.
My two biggest requirements are that I will be able to run Maya 2012 comfortably and develop iOS apps with Xcode. (I will be using OpenGL ES, so graphics capabilities are important). I will also be running Windows 7 with Boot Camp/Parallels from time to time, and might eventually use Unity 3D.
My budget is roughly $1000 - $1500. I have been strongly considering the base 21.5" iMac.
So here are my questions:
1. Is it worth the $430 to upgrade to the higher-end 21.5" iMac with an added 2.8GHz i7 processor?
I realize this model also has a slightly better graphics card (6770 vs 6750) and two times the HD space, but the processor would be my main reason for upgrading. If I could just add the i7 to the base model, I wouldn't be posting here! Apple doesn't seem to offer that configuration, though. I will be adding 8GB additional RAM to whichever Mac I purchase.
2. I will also be using a second HDMI monitor. It seems like this can be connected through the Thunderbolt port with an appropriate Mini DisplayPort cable. Is this correct?
I've never bought a Mac and haven't been keeping up with developments in new hardware recently, so I'd really appreciate some of your experienced opinions on this decision!
Thank you for your help!
DimwitDonuts
First post here on Macrumors. I use a Mac Pro at work for iOS development and graphic design. Now that my four-year old Thinkpad is dying it's time for an upgrade, and I'd like to purchase an iMac mainly for the ability to develop iOS applications at home.
My two biggest requirements are that I will be able to run Maya 2012 comfortably and develop iOS apps with Xcode. (I will be using OpenGL ES, so graphics capabilities are important). I will also be running Windows 7 with Boot Camp/Parallels from time to time, and might eventually use Unity 3D.
My budget is roughly $1000 - $1500. I have been strongly considering the base 21.5" iMac.
So here are my questions:
1. Is it worth the $430 to upgrade to the higher-end 21.5" iMac with an added 2.8GHz i7 processor?
I realize this model also has a slightly better graphics card (6770 vs 6750) and two times the HD space, but the processor would be my main reason for upgrading. If I could just add the i7 to the base model, I wouldn't be posting here! Apple doesn't seem to offer that configuration, though. I will be adding 8GB additional RAM to whichever Mac I purchase.
2. I will also be using a second HDMI monitor. It seems like this can be connected through the Thunderbolt port with an appropriate Mini DisplayPort cable. Is this correct?
I've never bought a Mac and haven't been keeping up with developments in new hardware recently, so I'd really appreciate some of your experienced opinions on this decision!
Thank you for your help!
DimwitDonuts