MacBook Pro or iMac
VGX
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I have a 13 inch mbp but want to get a new one anyway. But I'm debating to get a 15 inch Retina mbp or a 21inch iMac.
When I use the GS creator preview in portrait mode I cannot see the whole preview screen (top and bottom are hidden) on the 13 inch mbp. Is this the same on the 15inch?
Thanks
Comments
Here's another possibility - a Mac Mini with an external monitor that can be rotated into portrait mode. Even if you decide to get another laptop, like a 13" retina Macbook Pro, an external monitor can be connected to it.
The portability of a laptop is nice. I'm waiting to see what Apple does with the MacBook Air. I've been seeing rumors of a retina display on the way.
Other possibilities... auto hide the dock (or put it on the side) and hide the scenes. That should help with getting more vertical space.
Also, did you go to the Apple Store and test it out? I think the HiDPI settings can be adjusted to dramatically increase the working area. It would be very tiny on a 15" monitor if it works though. Even the 21" iMac seems small to me.
I've been considering the 27" Retina iMac. That's a powerful computer... but also expensive. So, I've been waiting. My Mac Mini (early 2009) is still good. HA!
Would be cool if they just put a +- button there istead of 100 and 50.
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Im running a 15inch Retina 2014 MacBook Pro and it still cuts off portrait in preview. The machine handles creator very well (although I still refuse to upgrade to Yosamite) but the screen size in preview is as described.
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I bought an iMac last year and have never looked back, The speed from the fusion drive is excellent, most as fast as my SSD in my MBP at 1/4 of the price.
iMac is definitely my recommendation, The screen real estate is excellent.
I use a mac mini and it get's the job done just nicely. It's a great option if you want to save some money.
@gingagaming
May i ask you if there would be any notable difference when choosing a 15 inch Macbook Pro to be upgraded from the base-model 2.2 i7 quad core to 2.5 or 2.8? Considering GameSalad and Photoshop as the primary use.
Thank you!
I honestly don't know as I purchased the base model. However my next purchase I will without a doubt purchase the higher spec and upgraded ram.
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@ferzheng,
In considering a new Apple computer, your biggest concern in my opinion should be future-proofing based on what you expect to get out of the machine. We can no longer upgrade RAM by ourselves, and I understand SSDs swaps are limited by SSD type.
I have a 2011 Mac Mini (first year without optical drive) and a Macbook Pro Retina 13 2014. The processor difference is in my opinion nominal, but the hard drive versus SSD drive performance is noticeable. Bouts and access times are considerably reduced. Your mileage may vary, of course. See if you can hook up with a user whom with you could compare performance times.
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It would be nice to know what the specs required for Graphene are before considering a new Mac...especially if used.
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SSD + 8 GB RAM + dualcore (or anything better) and you are good to go. A big screen is always a plus too.
@gingagaming
@mhedges
Thank you for your reply!
Then i think it would be best to upgrade it to 2.8 quad core.
As regards the RAM, all 15 inch Pros come with 16gb now. But there is another issue i am unsure about, and it is whether the dual GPU model will have a better performance than the single GPU model when using GameSalad.
I have read that it does not improve much for game development but yes for gaming.
i am using AOC 27 inch borderless monitor + Mac mini 2011 (perfect for Maya, photoshop,Unreal Engine and gamesalad), it cost's me half of iMac price .
Honestly saying big monitor increase productivity,27 inch is best for that http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/aoc-borderless-i2757fh-ips-monitor/
http://www.amazon.com/AOC-i2769Vm-27-Inch-Frameless-LED-Lit/dp/B00CLZ04VW
Thank you for your reply!
So there would be not much difference when using Gamesalad if i buy a new Macbook Pro 15 inch basemodel (2.2ghz quad core, 16gb RAM, 256gb Flash Drive) instead of upgrading the CPU to 2.5ghz or 2.8ghz, right?
I am worried about the CPU performance as everytime i use Gamesalad it becomes very very slow after some hours and i have to close it down and re open it, but i dont know if it is the CPU the problem.
I have read that it was a bug, so if it really is not the CPU problem then i might get the 2.2gh quad core MBP.
First off, one of the things I like to use when I'm working with GS is to use the app CCleaner for Mac (https://www.piriform.com/mac/ccleaner). I run it ever 30-60 minutes, right about when I'm done doing my iterative Saves.. The program purges anything in the ambient memory / caches and essentially keeps you running relatively smoothly all while keeping your Mac free from bad stuff (tracking cookies, etc.).
As an FYI, I'm running a 2011 Macbook Pro with an i5 2.3GHz CPU and 8GB of RAM. I use a 24" monitor as a primary with the laptop screen as a secondary display and it works great so far. I'm hardly pushing the spectrum for development hardware..
That said, my next project is to build myself a Customac / Hackintosh desktop that should perform quite well and cost about a fraction of the cost of a Mac Pro from Apple.. Specs and instructions can be found here --
http://www.tonymacx86.com/building-customac-buyers-guide-may-2015.html
Granted, this latter venture is only for the brave and the technically inclined..
-- J
I couldn't agree more, never understood why they don't have a standard +- button that zooms out or in at intervals of 10%
@VeiraGames I love my 15 MBP Retina. I like being able to work anywhere at any time.
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