Mac Mini for Vibe Coding Experiments

[Sosab123]

Hello,

I am looking to experiment with A.I and vibe coding on the side. I Would consider this venture a well thought blend of "experimenting" and "seriousness". I remember when SWIFT launched and I got caught up in the hype it was grand. I had the Macbook Pro 15", and the iPad pro 11" and then at the house an iMac. I had the accessories like the leather messenger bag and everything. I would go to the coffee shop and social network and actually got things going. I never felt more connected before. During this time I also got back into schooling, and I got several certificates, including the CCNA during that time, cause doing the SWIFT programming was a bit more difficult than I expected but I was also learning networking on the side I found doing both was not difficult but at the time there was some real nice network admin and I.T jobs available but my connection said I needed the CCNA minimum or no plug. I got a nice gig as promised but I ended up getting into an Amazon FBA opprotunity and around 2020 during covid things got really nice for me I am thankful and then that became my main hustle and still is today.

So, now I can actually afford to experiment and stuff again. I sortve been just at home, no kids, single, with a bunch of free time and I want to relive that 2014~ era again. Learning, and creating. I am 33.

I feel like Xcode with the A.I vibe coding support it has might just be what I need to get back into programming. Theyre also building a gigantic data center, slated for completion in like 2029~ where I live and its meant to have a social area with food places and entertainment around it. I want to take advantage of that, but in the mean time, I want to also try out programming again so that when 2029 comes around I am experienced.

I would really like to begin this venture with a mac mini, I currently have:

iPad Pro 13" M2
iPad Mini 7


I have an array of display technology already, stemming from my windows gaming setup. Several OLED and Mini-LED monitors in various places. So a monitor is not required for recommendation.

I want to build tools in the form of apps for iPhone, and iPad. Maybe find opprotunity from the experience of doing so. So I would like to do this with SWIFT and the apple ecosystem.

I want to get the best for my money but I also want to start as a novice. What would be the best Mac Mini for this intended path of programming with xCode and using its vibe coding implementation? Do I need the M4?

My budget for this starting out is $1500

Thank you

 

[!!!]

Learning, and creating

You won't be learning much when you have something else doing all the work for you. You also won't be creating anything, as you don't have the copyright of the content the AI produces.

 

[Sosab123]

You won't be learning much when you have something else doing all the work for you. You also won't be creating anything, as you don't have the copyright of the content the AI produces.

You wouldn't be the first to say that. However, the process still seems interesting and its obviously becoming the world. Data centers are popping up everywhere, and everywhere you go another new entity is in some way utilizing A.I.

The way I look at it is, might as well try things out for myself. The only difference now compared to when I first got into programming is I didn't have the amount of protected capital like I do now so I can easily throw hundreds of hours into experimentation without worrying about losing my way of life.

With that being said, I have only 1 option I can buy from a family member and immediately begin using due to supply and demand it is a M4 with 256GB of storage, and 24 GB memory. Still new in box. I would prefer 512 GB storage starting out however Apple says October delivery.