Xcode: Mac Pro or Macbook Pro

[skitzogreg]

Recently, I've been faced with the desire to learn (a little) more programming than I already know, and I'm attracted to the Xcode application and it's ability to simplify app/program creation. I'm still using my arguably old Macbook Pro (in signature) as my everyday/programming machine, and I wouldn't mind using this system with an external monitor to start to get into programming with Xcode, but I'm not opposed to switching to an older Mac Pro (dual-duals, or single quad) if it will net me significant performance gains using the application.

Overall, would a Mac Pro be a better option for a beginner-average programmer who has never messed with Cocoa/Xcode, or will my Macbook Pro just as good of an option?

 

[Vylen]

Stick with the MacBook Pro and add an external monitor.

The gains you'll get in a Mac Pro will only be really when compiling applications (and maybe debugging). And this shouldn't be particularly slow unless your applications are massive.

And well, you're a beginner and whatnot. No need to for a Mac Pro when you have a reasonable MBP. I've had friends in university who used MBP's like yours doing CompSci/SENG/CompEng and they were very proficient with no complaints of their systems (rather, their complaints were aimed at the work they had to do 😉).

 

[dissolve]

Going to agree with Vylen. The MBP is more than enough for learning programming. I went through a few CS courses on an older model than yours and it was great. I even used an Air for a bit while learning Cocoa and had no troubles. You'd need to be working on some very large programs to saturate that MBP while compiling. Have fun 🙂

 

[cnstoll]

I got through with my CS degree using a G4 TiBook and lab computers 🙂 Your MacBook Pro will serve you well. Do yourself a favor and use an external monitor as well. Programming with two screens is almost a must for me now.

 

[skitzogreg]

Sorry to bump the thread, but I just wanted to extend a thank you to those who answered the question. I'm now in the market to add a monitor.

 

[milbournosphere]

Sorry to bump the thread, but I just wanted to extend a thank you to those who answered the question. I'm now in the market to add a monitor.

I'm a CS major and a programmer. I recently bought a Hanns G 28" monitor to go along with my MBP and Mac Pro. It's a great monitor! If you're not looking for perfect (artistic level) color quality, I would sersiously consider this monitor. For the size, the price is excellent, and it's 16:10, not 16:9, so you have more vertical screen real estate, which is a blessing. It's great because you can easily pull up reference docs next to code, and you can lean way back in your chair without the type getting too small. I HIGHLY recommend it; I have had several hanns g monitors in the past have never had any problems.

Check it out:
newegg.com