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General Discussion

Posted by Laurel Adams
Laurel Adams
916 Points

How crucial is a Mac for Web Design/Development?

I am just starting out on the Web Design track. I know the current Dell laptop I share is a little outdated and doesn't have enough RAM. I'm looking to upgrade, but reluctant to shell out 1,200+ for a Mac just yet. What do you suggest? Should I buy used? Make do with a PC?

4 Answers

Jess Galicia
Jess Galicia
6,947 Points
Jess Galicia
Jess Galicia
6,947 Points

if you've got a handy keyboard/mouse/external monitor you could always go for a mac mini. They start at $500 and are a pretty good machine to work on. (and they are cute!) -but work on what is best for you and you are most comfortable with. PCs and Macs each have their pros and cons.

Personally, I work on a Macbook, and I am able to dual-boot into both Mac OS and Windows. It works well for me but it's not for everyone.

Laurel Adams
Laurel Adams
916 Points

Thanks for the advice Jessica!! Helped me in weighing the options :)

Dylan Shine
Dylan Shine
17,565 Points
Dylan Shine
Dylan Shine
17,565 Points

In the event you're developing on a PC, I would suggest you install some flavor or Linux, like Ubuntu. If you're open to buying something new, a MacBook Air is a great starter option. I primarily develop using Sinatra and Rails and I love the OS X environment.

Laurel Adams
Laurel Adams
916 Points

Thanks for the advice Dylan!

Ricky Catron
Ricky Catron
13,023 Points
Ricky Catron
Ricky Catron
13,023 Points

I have never used a Mac for Web Development, Android Development, or Software Development. I prefer Linux as my development environment. It is Unix based like a Mac and forces you to learn a lot about the command line which is great for working with Git, Servers, ssh, and a lot of other tasks.

I would recommend trying Linux, install Ubuntu in a virtual box and maybe a few other flavors too such as Mint, find out what you like and work with it for a little while. Currently I am working on a PC and not having a problem. Windows isn't the most friendly environment for me but I make do (I miss "apt-get install" so much).

A Mac is great but not mandatory for anything other then Mac Apps and IPhone apps.

If you can, try before you commit to something. The last thing you need is a thousand dollar paperweight because you can't stand developing on it.

Goodluck! --Ricky

Laurel Adams
Laurel Adams
916 Points

Thanks for your help Ricky! Looks like I should check around a little and try things out before I take the plunge:)

Devin Scheu
Devin Scheu
66,191 Points
Devin Scheu
Devin Scheu
66,191 Points

Mac is recommended as the best device to code on. Although you can get by just coding on a windows computer. Mac I find has an easier layout and helps a lot with learning console commands. Where as on a windows computer, you have to download software to do what you want. I would say a Mac is not necessary, but definitely makes coding easier. And if you buy one, I would suggest a cheap used one for coding, unless your going to be developing bigger apps/programs.

Laurel Adams
Laurel Adams
916 Points

Thanks, Devin! It's for sure my preference. Your tips were helpful:)