Mac Mini or Macbook Pro?

SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
edited April 2013 in Miscellaneous
Soon enough I'm going to need a new mac to continue my game development. I am currently using a 2006 Macbook 2,1 white version. Thats old. So I need opinions: Go with Mac Mini or go with Macbook Pro? Here are the specs for both:
Mac Mini: http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs.html ($599)
Macbook Pro: http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/ ($1199)

Comments

  • JarrenHJarrenH Member Posts: 206
    Get a pro. You're portable, and can always connect an external monitor if more screen-estate is needed. If you get a Mac mini, you will be primarily tied down to a desktop setup.
  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    @JarrenH I've thought of that and I would get a Mini because I can always keep my laptop for any needed portability. It runs Lion so it isn't too out of date.
  • AxygamesAxygames Member, PRO Posts: 203

    $1,249.00
    2.6GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
    8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
    1TB Fusion Drive
  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    edited April 2013
    Even with those higher specs, it is absolutely not needed. You could settle for a base-line Mac Mini and get everything you need for a development machine. Particularly if GameSalad is the core use. If you are going to be running it for a variety of Apps such as graphics and sound, at least up the Ram. You can max it out pretty cheap via third party. It is more than enough. Don't get caught up in the Hard Drive read-wright speeds and don't get caught up over a i7 over i5 considering what you use it for.
  • ChakkuChakku Member Posts: 1,513
    @JarrenH I've thought of that and I would get a Mini because I can always keep my laptop for any needed portability. It runs Lion so it isn't too out of date.
    @Utveckla_Games
    Don't rely on your laptop's portability for too much longer. It does run lion, the lower tier in supported OS's, BUT once OSX 10.9 comes out, presumably in June, it won't support GameSalad anymore.

    As for what to buy, I would say get a MacBook Pro, and an external monitor. If your on a strict budget, then I would buy a used MacBook Pro (at least from 2010), and use the remainder on a monitor.

    Hope this helps
    Chakku
  • AxygamesAxygames Member, PRO Posts: 203
    Nothing is more necessary than superfluous. :D
  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2013
    @Chakku What I'm saying is that I would only develop on my Mac Mini and use my Laptop for anything else on the go. Such as updating iTunes Connect, check E-mail, writing documents etc. Edit: but the majority says macbook :D
  • JarrenHJarrenH Member Posts: 206
    Because they're just so puuurty!
  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    Majority rules: Macbook Pro wins. Thanks everyone for your opinions! It has been a big help!
  • iamcarteziamcartez Houston, TexasMember Posts: 648
    I use a Mac Mini as well. I have an 21 inch IPS HP screen (best buy had for $130) and will get 2nd screen once I develop my first app. Then I will probably get 16GB RAM upgrade... A sexy little setup for less than $1000.

    www.appdore.com || appdore twitter || appdore facebook

  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    @iamcartez Yup. Thats what I like about the Minis. I already have a screen, keyboard and mouse too. I use my 48 in screen TV to develop and run my Minecraft server. (On my PC)
  • PBEmpirePBEmpire Member Posts: 676
    The obvious answer will be a MBP but if you are short on money or not willing to spend too much, you can get a mac mini. Your choice. I did rather go with the pro and consider it as an investment than go with a mac mini and call it money saved.
  • lycettebroslycettebros Member, PRO Posts: 1,598
    edited April 2013
    I do not need portability anymore. I used to but would rather have a desktop and use a tablet for portability needs (I don't develop on the road).

    Of course I am seeing it only from my selfish needs...who asked you anyway!

    (its been a weird day)
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  • ElfizmElfizm Member Posts: 489
    Get an IMac, it already has a big screen, everything. I used one. Buy if your need of using free wifi spots around the place, get a mini or pro.
  • EbreezeEbreeze Member, PRO Posts: 481
    I've got a Mac mini...works great. If I had more money I'd maybe would have got a Mac Pro either way your fine
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    Its completely preference. I have a MBP but its due to not being able to afford 2 machines and having the need to take mine with me. would absolutely love to also have a proper desktop setup. and the whole just hook it to an external monitor plan is good and all but it really sucks imo. you have to run your power cord and external mouse and keyboard as well. otherwise its extremely awkward to use.

    My 2¢
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  • mounted88mounted88 Member Posts: 1,113
    Haha I have the same MacBook 2006 white 2.1 as your using. It most surely is time for a upgrade. :P
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  • SearleSamaSearleSama Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2013
    I found that a laptop just isn't enough screen. I know that you can connect another monitor to it, but then you are just using it like a desktop. Sure, you can then take it with you but then you have the problem of the small screen (unless you want it for just surfing or playing games on the go).

    I went with an iMac. It is easy enough to move if I am visiting family and still need to develop. I don't need an external monitor and the screen size is unbelievably perfect for development. The screen real estate is excellent. Plus, I'd rather be comfortable in my big office chair while developing anyway.
  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    Thanks everyone for your feedback! I always like to save money but I also want the best option out there. Thats why I was thinking Mac Mini but now so many people are saying get a MBP. :D
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    I'm sure the majority here would also tell you to jump off a bridge or try some illegal drug. Are you really that impressionable that the majority is your only deciding factor? Get what you want based on what works for you.
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  • mounted88mounted88 Member Posts: 1,113
    I concur with @tenrdrmer
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  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    @tenrdrmer True True... But I also trust the GS community (at least people like you, @RP , @SnapFireStudios etc). However you are right and I will go with what is best for my situation. Thank you very much for your advice. :)
  • ChakkuChakku Member Posts: 1,513
    I also trust the GS community (at least people like you, @RP , @SnapFireStudios etc).
    @Utveckla_Games
    *AHEM* Do you think you might have forgotten someone?

    Chakku
  • mounted88mounted88 Member Posts: 1,113
    edited April 2013
    I also trust the GS community (at least people like you, @RP , @SnapFireStudios etc).
    @Utveckla_Games
    *AHEM* Do you think you might have forgotten someone?

    Chakku
    Yeah thanks chakku for pointing out he forgot me ;)
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  • SolarPepperStudiosSolarPepperStudios Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2013
    @Chakku You too. :D I always trust your advice! ;) However I will be the point king someday... I haven't forgotten our little battle with squire @SnapFireStudios :)) EDIT: Just now saw @mounted88 's post. Haha you too. ;)
  • patapplepatapple Member Posts: 873
    Macbook Pro with an external Monitor 24'.
  • RPRP Member Posts: 1,990
    You can get a 27" IPS monitor pretty cheap these days (close to the $250 mark with 23' close to $150). If you go for a new monitor, go with an IPS monitor (wonderful color and contrast and is a standard that Apple uses). LG's are pretty nifty. LG and Panasonic are the two manufacturing IPS tech (mostly LG), so pretty much anything you find these days are LG screens and guts (for non LG brand monitors).

    HP has a 23" I saw a month ago that was a perfect match for a mini:

    http://shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Accessories/Monitors/C3Z94AA?HP-Pavilion-23xi-23-inch-Diagonal-IPS-LED-Backlit-Monitor&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-120287585-2&003=6572471&010=C3Z94AA%23ABA

  • 3itg3itg Member, PRO Posts: 382
    edited April 2013
    MBP
    (I am not an apple fan.)

    My Reasons...
    Make video games outside (This is the only real reason you should need.)
    &
    Mac Creator is Better (at the very least more up to date, less buggy).
    MBP is More Expandable (Remove the dvd, replace with lenovo sata sled for 2x hdd or ssd)
    Apple uses very high quality components. Build Quality of a new MBP is fantastic.
    Dual or Triple boot into whatever OS you want (OSX/Win/Linux) with software support.
    Parallels is sweet on a machine with resources to spare.
    Retains much of its value for years after purchase. (Buying Applecare+ improves this. Get 3 years if your arent a computer tech.)

    2011 & 2012 non-retina macbooks are some of the most solidly constructed laptops I have ever touched.
    Source:
    I have worked as a Computer Tech for 12 years before starting my own IT company.
    I have customized over 100 laptops for special purposes. (besides the roughly 4000 break / fix jobs)

    Out of a Thinkpad, Vaio, elitebook and MBP
    I choose to run a 2011 MBP as my daily driver.
    2.2 Ghz Intel i7 Quadcore
    16Gb ram
    2x Intel 330 240GB Solid State Drives in raid.
    Mac OSX Lion / Win8 / Win7 (Using Reffit)
    Triple Monitors (Via Matrox HD extension)
    ATI Radeon HD 6750 & Intel HD 3000

    (I should at least note, I have an awesome desktop that is better than my MBP, A Samsung i5 Tablet w/ win8, and an iPad3... I use all of them quite a bit, and in tandem with each other. But my MBP is my favorite. I am fortunate enough to have lots of options and preferences when it comes to there sorts of things but I dont believe it to be a preference based choice... This is much more a utility vs. budget kinda thing.)

    Other pointers...
    Dont buy "Used"... open box & manufacturer refurbs can get you a good deal and still have a warranty that will be honored. Dont buy someone elses problems. (Pretty easy to save $600 or so on a new MBP)

    If you live near a MicroCenter... go there, and make friends with a floor guy.

    Buy the most Basic Model, only concern yourself with video card/ processor. The ram, hard drive, and optionally the dvd (can be removed for 2nd hdd) all can and should be swapped for max performance parts (Which come at a premium price from apple, that you can buy yourself for half the cost.)

    This would be the deal breaker for me...
    Anything less than the upgraded processor models have a crippled video card.
    These models start at $1800 (But like I said, should be able to get one for $1500 or better)
    "Intel HD Graphics 4000 (all 13- and 15-inch models)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 512MB of GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics switching (2.3GHz 15-inch model). The optional 2.6GHz and 2.7GHz 15-inch models come with NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB GDDR5 memory." - Apple.com

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