MacBook Pro 13" or 15" for app/game development?

[Apple Noob]

I am looking to get into both app and game development for iOS and Android but was wondering which would be a better choice. Would I really need all the extra power the 15" has to offer. Also how about a Macbook Air.

 

[ob81]

The 13" would be ok I guess. The screen size and resolution may bother you though after working for a few hours. The MBA would actually be a lot better than the 13" model because of the resolution. It will get the job done.

The 15" may be overkill, but the screen size will prove a lot more comfortable when programming.

If you got the money, grab the 15". Best computer for your needs? The 13" MBA.

 

[taedouni]

If you're going into the app development or any field that would consider you a power user, then I would recommend you to get a 15" Macbook Pro. The 13" if I am not mistaken doesn't even off the quad core flavor of Ivy.

 

[iVikD]

Agreed with both posters, I own the 15" and it's great for programming (I'm a systems engineer). I got the hi-res screen and the extra workspace is a blessing. Once you get more into your thing, I would even recommend getting a second monitor and using both your MBP's screen and the monitor to have several tools, websites, emulators or virtual machines running.

 

[bogatyr]

They will both work, however I wouldn't choose either. The 13" MBP's resolution is low, making coding a cramped endeavor. If you want low price, I would go with 13" MBA with 8GB of RAM - better resolution, SSD and low cost. Though if you're looking at 13", the rMBP refurb is the best deal - higher resolution capabilities, baseline 8GB of RAM, dual thunderbolt.

If you want 15", the classic will do just fine but I recommend the anti-glare high res option as mentioned above.