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What kind of Mac do you all recommend?

by Adam Albee · in iTorque 2D · 02/02/2012 (7:07 am) · 4 replies

Hey there. I'm finally going to take the plunge and try to get into developing for iOS using iTorque2D. Thing is, I don't have a Mac! I also happen to not have a ton of money, so looking at the system requirements, I'm trying to get the cheapest setup I can to get this thing going. Right now, I'm looking at the Mac Mini, but I was wondering, has anyone else tried this little guy?

store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini/select

I'm looking at the $599 or $799 version (probably the $799 because the $599 version uses integrated graphics). I'm concerned that the mobile graphics chip isn't up to snuff.

So, anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have any other suggestions for me to get a Mac in my hands that will work with iTorque2D and not cost me an arm and a leg?

Thanks for your time!
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Torque Owner Don Schaper
XIX Software
#1
02/03/2012 (4:33 pm)
The Mac mini easily handles Torque, XCode, Photoshop, etc.

I've created two Torque games using various minis (along with other software).

4 GB of ram help immensely.

Torque 3D Owner Adam Albee
Default Studio Name
#2
02/03/2012 (6:27 pm)
Thanks! I just didnt want to spend the money without checking. Another question. I plan to do any testing directly on the ipad or ipod touch. Really all I need the mac for is the xcode and maybe a quick test here and there. Do you think the $599 version with its integrated graphics would be up to that task? That extra $200 would come in handy for other things. Again, thanks for the reply.

Torque Owner TheGasMan
G.A.S. [+others]
#3
02/04/2012 (1:23 pm)
I have used the $599 & $799 minis in the past 2 months
As well as a custom mini with 2.7Ghz i7, 8GB ram.

599 - capable of torque2d use
799 - capable of torque2d and 3d use but 3d-only in 10.6 as 10.7(lion) won't run T3D... :sigh:
The 6630m GPU is 40% faster than the HD3000 but either way the heat is your main worry since minis do run warm/hot and they do like to chug when warm. So, either cool it with fans or buy a used macbook pro from the last few years..then you have portability as well.

I'd grab a macbook pro used if you find the right one for your comfort.
I bought an air2010, max'd. I'm not complaining as macmall had an awesome deal.

good luck


Torque 3D Owner Adam Albee
Default Studio Name
#4
02/04/2012 (7:36 pm)
Thanks! That pretty much covers everything I need to know. Good to see other's have used the machine with some level of success. I'll certainly look into a macbook pro before making a final decision. Good day and again, thank you both.