Retina Macbook Pro 15“ 2015 vs iMAC 21” 3.1 GHZ i7 256 SSD

[MediaMaster]

I need to purchase a new Mac computer to start developing iOS apps using Xcode/Swift. It's my first time Mac. I know its kinda of portability choice between the 2 models but It's not an issue with me as I'm not travelling a lot nor develop apps outside home. So my main concern is that to be comfortable with coding. (screen size factor, Retina display, ...etc).

Inline with this, I know that WWDC will be held after 20 days and I'm not sure shall I wait until then may be they would announce for any new 21.5 iMac?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[Pieterr]

So my main concern is that to be comfortable with coding. (screen size factor, Retina display, ...etc).

Then why not buy the Retina iMac?

 

[MediaMaster]

Then why not buy the Retina iMac?

Hi Pieterr, Thanks for your answer. However, It seems that its higher than my budget (1800 - 1900 $). Also Including the fusion drive (or SSD) is a must. So it will raise the value to over 2.2 K.

 

[iConnected]

If you're worried, wait until after WWDC. It's really not a long wait

 

[Pieterr]

However, It seems that its higher than my budget (1800 - 1900 $).

Another option would be the 2.6GHz Mac mini with SSD/FD upgrade ($900) plus a LG 34UM95 monitor. Awesome for coding!

 

[MediaMaster]

Another option would be the 2.6GHz Mac mini with SSD/FD upgrade ($900) plus a LG 34UM95 monitor. Awesome for coding!

Wouldn't mac mini 2.6 be weak for coding (dual core)? I saw a lot of threads talking about using it in regular tasks ( watching movies, surfing internet, ...etc) and there are a lot of lagging so it's designed for day to day use only! I'm not sure if that correct or not!

I can afford 2.8 Ghz Mac mini with 16 GB Ram but wasn't sure also the dual core option would fit for coding or not.

 

[Pieterr]

Wouldn't mac mini 2.6 be weak for coding (dual core)? I can afford 2.8 Ghz Mac mini with 16 GB Ram but wasn't sure also the dual core option would fit for coding or not.

The dual-core 4278U is more than enough for coding.
http://ark.intel.com/products/83508/Intel-Core-i5-4278U-Processor-3M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz

The weakest link while coding is you.

 

[yjchua95]

Wouldn't mac mini 2.6 be weak for coding (dual core)? I saw a lot of threads talking about using it in regular tasks ( watching movies, surfing internet, ...etc) and there are a lot of lagging so it's designed for day to day use only! I'm not sure if that correct or not!

I can afford 2.8 Ghz Mac mini with 16 GB Ram but wasn't sure also the dual core option would fit for coding or not.

I even code on my Surface 3 (not the Pro variant).

In fact, any Mac sold today with an FD/SSD will more than suffice. What you need is an external display.

 

[MediaMaster]

Thank you all for your help. I do really appreciate all answers.