Is the new Macbook enough for web developers?

[sioannou]

Hello folks,

Time has come to replace my Early 2011 15inch MBP mainly because I'm tired of the size of it.

I was waiting for the refresh and at some point I was even started to looking at alternatives such as the 13 XPS or the lenovo X250 or Carbon.

However, after yesterday's refresh all the things that I didn't like about the Air where improved for me. I don't mind having only one port, and I like the retina screen. Only thing that I have my concerns for is whether the Core M can handle my workflow.

Usually, I'm connected to a monitor when I'm at office, I have 10-20 tabs open, 2-3 VMs , text editor, Pycharm (Django Development), terminal, big pdfs , Spotify. I also watch a lot of Netflix while hooked up on an external monitor, I use Photoshop or Pixelmator to edit graphic work. I have my collection of photos, but nothing to fancy there. Occasionally I use Xcode or Unity for some hobby projects. I don't do gaming or video conversions.

Nothing seems too intensive here but I'd appreciate your opinion, do you guys think that I should opt out for the 13 rmbp or the mb would be enough?

Thanks!

 

[mtneer]

I dont think that the CPU or the limited screen real estate (720p top to bottom; less than an iPad) is a good platform for web development. This could be your second machine for media consumption, I wouldn't let my livelihood depend on the rMB.

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

Hello folks,

Time has come to replace my Early 2011 15inch MBP mainly because I'm tired of the size of it.

I was waiting for the refresh and at some point I was even started to looking at alternatives such as the 13 XPS or the lenovo X250 or Carbon.

However, after yesterday's refresh all the things that I didn't like about the Air where improved for me. I don't mind having only one port, and I like the retina screen. Only thing that I have my concerns for is whether the Core M can handle my workflow.

Usually, I'm connected to a monitor when I'm at office, I have 10-20 tabs open, 2-3 VMs , text editor, Pycharm (Django Development), terminal, big pdfs , Spotify. I also watch a lot of Netflix while hooked up on an external monitor, I use Photoshop or Pixelmator to edit graphic work. I have my collection of photos, but nothing to fancy there. Occasionally I use Xcode or Unity for some hobby projects. I don't do gaming or video conversions.

Nothing seems too intensive here but I'd appreciate your opinion, do you guys think that I should opt out for the 13 rmbp or the mb would be enough?

Thanks!

How is that your that involved in IT and yet don't realize that this system does not have the specs to fully meet your needs?

 

[sioannou]

Dude I said that performance wise I'm happy with my early 2011 MBP what I'm looking for is a device with a smaller size.

I'm not familiar with Core M processors so I'm looking for input from other people who use the same tools as I . The only info I could find was that for Lenovos Yoga.

 

[Steve121178]

Presumably you would be connecting to an external screen for any Dev work.

I'd recommend the 13" rMBP as a much better choice for your needs, but if you can get by with a machine that isn't exactly a powerhouse then why not.

 

[Serban]

yes if you intend to connect to external monitors...until there will be WIRELESS MONITORS aka bluetooth thunderbolt display or at least usb-c TB display....go with the 13" MBP

 

[Beau10]

How is that your that involved in IT and yet don't realize that this system does not have the specs to fully meet your needs?

Hold on a sec.

I worked as a Rails dev for over a year on a 2k10 11" MBA, the base model - that and nothing but that. I did it as an exercise in minimalism, having come from doing .NET dev on an 8 core Pentium X-treme w/ 3 monitors. I earned over $150k on that machine. Was it ideal? No, but it was sufficient and furthermore the experience encouraged me to adopt a myriad of tools to help me be way more efficient. I've since gone through a 15" rMBP and now a 13" rMBP... and now I'm considering the 12" again.

RE: desktop space - as long as scaling works without more stutter than my 13" rMBP, I'll be doing it. 1440 x 900 is not ideal but it's certainly good enough.

 

[macbook123]

From all I know it looks like the new Macbook can't drive external monitors with higher than 1080p resolution. So unless you have a relatively small external it seems you're out of luck.

I was actually thinking of getting one of these thingies myself just as a toy but this likely disqualifies it.

 

[Steve121178]

From all I know it looks like the new Macbook can't drive external monitors with higher than 1080p resolution.

That's all the vast majority of people have, want or need so it's fine. When Apple update it with better internals then it will obviously support up to 4K but not for another year or two.

 

[macbook123]

I'd be willing to make a bet with you that your statement is untrue for people who are ready to spend $1300-$1600 on a tablet with built in keyboard and no touch screen, which the new Macbook pretty much is.