As I'm working on a software that is designed to run on OSX, I need a machine to run OSX itself. I want to try to stay away from software piracy, so Hackintosh is not in my scope.
That is to say, I need a Mac. First of all, I DON'T CARE ABOUT GRAPHICS, and I DON'T CARE ABOUT QUAD CORE. I will only run XCode for work, and Safari (YouTube) for recreation. Maybe some casual games during day time in lab, but that will be something like MineCraft without material pack.
Also, I prefer a new or open box device, rather than a previous generation used device. Computers just develop so fast that performance per watt increasing per generation is too great to be offset by a slight price drop, plus I prefer my device to come with no scuffs and dents.
I originally wanted to buy a Macmini, but since the 2017 version is not yet released, if there will be 2017 version. The 2014 base version has only 4GB of non-upgradeable RAM, which is apparently inadequate for modern uses. The 2,5GHz, 8GB version, even used, is more than $500, which makes it less attractive, especially considering it doesn't have a screen, so its mobility is severely limited.
I'm looking at a Macbook, and I would like to hear some recommendations.
I will keep as far as possible from Macbook Air due to the crappy screen and 8-year-old design, especially consider I used to have 2 of them in the past.
I will not consider 13'' Macbook Pro due to the extra weight and limited performance improvement compared with Macbook 12''. Pre-2016 Macbook Pro 13'' have similar benchmark performance compared with latest i5 Macbook 12'', and much more weight, plus the price is still $700+ for a device in excellent condition. Post-2016 ones are rarely available for less than $1200.
I will not consider 15'' Macbook Pro since I already have a desktop Windows workstation and a Mobile Windows Workstation. I only need a Mac to run XCode, nothing heavy duty, and I don't want to pay the premium in terms of money, weight and portability.
I am aware of that these new Macbooks, no matter Pro or 12'', have non-replaceable SSD and RAM, and I'm aware of that they aren't meant to be serviceable. As I said, I just need a light duty use machine for device and program testing and simple coding, and I don't plan to keep them for more than 3 years. My typical laptop cycle is 2 years, then sell as used. As long as they work fine for the first 2 years, I'm okay with it.
Here is a candidate list:
1. Macbook 2017 m3 256GB, $1199-$125=$1074 (BestBuy educational discount)
2. Macbook 2017 i5 512GB, $1499-$125=$1374 (BestBuy educational discount)
3. Macbook 2017 i5 256GB, $1339 (m3 256GB with CPU upgrade, Apple Store)
4. Macbook 2016 m5 512GB, $1199-$125=$1074 (BestBuy educational discount)
I'm more towards number 1 and number 2, since number 3 is only $35 cheaper with 256GB less SSD, plus a customized device is harder to sell in the future.
Number 4 is my least preference since previous generation Core m5 is slower than latest Core m3, and I don't think the extra SSD can offset the benefit of a more energy efficient and powerful CPU.
I only need a few GB of storage beyond OS, so 256GB and 512GB makes no difference, until I sell them.
So my real question is, should I spend $300 more for the m3->i5 (both 3.5W TDP Core-Y models, both KabyLake) upgrade providing the extra 256GB of SSD does absolutely no good to me until I sell them, but I don't think I can sell the upgraded version for $300 more.New candidate list:
1. BestBuy m3 8G 256 ($1074)
2. Apple Store m3 8G 256 with i7 16G upgrade, $1492 (assuming the accompanying Beats can be sold at $180)
Which one you think should be better?I ended up getting one with all options maxed out. Heck, I just got a raise
.