Apologies if this is an often asked question, I'm scanning for a mac mini for app development and I want to know what sort of minimum setup I can get away with while still experiencing a relatively smooth dev environment. Pro 2 duo is dead certain for the type of CPU, as is 2GB for RAM, but what about the CPU clockspeed and the GPU? Is it necessary to have a mini with the nvidia GPU's or could I get away with using the intel SoC ones? I would be very grateful for any advice from first-hand experience. Thank you.
The bog standard MacMini model is fine. Better is good, of course, but the bog standard one is perfectly capable.
Thanks for the reply. When you say bog standard, in what areas do you speak of? 1GB RAM, intel integrated graphics, etc?
Would guess he means the lowest spec current model? As long as it has 1GB of memory and a Core 2 Duo CPU you'll be fine integrated graphics chip is fine.
He said 'Intel' Integrated graphics. This was fine for a while, I developed Ground Effect on a '08 mid range white macbook (2.4 core 2 duo, Intel graphics, 4gb RAM) and it worked fine until I started looking into GLES2.0 and found the Simulator running slower than the phone. This has only got worse with iPad and Retina which chug along at about 6 FPS in the simulator. The machine also didn't have the speed to do a full speed movie grab when I was making videos of Ground Effect. What you said about 'current model' is probably true though, I imagine the NVidia chips in the most basic macbooks and minis are more than powerful enough. That said, i'm taking no chances, my i7 based quad core imac should be here in a few days
Exactly, buying new for the latest model (even for lowest spec) would set one back 650 squid. A little too much for what is essentially a toe-dipping exercise.
