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General Discussion

stjarnan
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stjarnan
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 56,488 Points
Posted by stjarnan
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stjarnan
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 56,488 Points

In need of some advice before buying myself a new computer

HI there everyone!

About 10 months ago i started learning here at Treehouse, i have had so much fun and i've learned so much. And as of 19 January i will be able to focus on my learning, and i will. The reason for this is because i have realised that this is what i would like to do for a living.

To the point, i am about to buy myself a new computer, a laptop so that i can learn on the go. The thing is, i don't know whether to go with a Macbook or one with Windows.

I like both and know that personal preference is important. But is any of the systems "better" or more important to have? I know that to be able to create iOS apps i need a Mac, but other than that?

Basically: Is there anything i should know before making my decision? Could i get turned down at an interview for a company if i do not have a particular system for an example?

Thanks in advance for any advice and information you can give me, and sorry if you find the questions stupid but i just want to make sure to make the right decision as i won't be able to get both at this point. (Using a Chromebook at the moment.)

/ Jonas

Matthew Greenberg
Matthew Greenberg
8,173 Points

I would say mac because its unix-based and posix complient.

There is so much media on this subject. Just look around google. It comes down to how much you want to spend.

Keep in mind that you can duel boot Operating systems if you do your research.

4 Answers

cecil merrell
cecil merrell
6,873 Points
cecil merrell
cecil merrell
6,873 Points

Here's my set-up: gateway nv52l06u laptop

2 x 8gigabyte ram chips

and a 1T hard-drive

the price I've spent on this so far was only about 500 bucks, but seeing how it has lasted me for about 3 years now so far, knock on wood, it was money well spent.

running Ubuntu 14.04:

I took out the old hard drive containing the windows operating system and only use it when I have no choice.

I've done everything I can think of using this machine: gaming, programming, running a web server on it as well. It even works in hot and cold weather conditions.

Although you can't make iOS apps on Ubuntu you may write them, but you won't be able to compile them into .ipa files. You can always submit iOS apps to Apple from any Ubuntu machine, since it is done by a browser. There are alternative ways to make them on Ubuntu - such as Virtual Machines and on-line app creators.

Virtual Box is the best VMware I've come across for Ubuntu. Run any operating system conceived without having the spend more money on hardware. Plus it make a save and stable test environment.

Hope this helps.

Robert Richey
PLUS
Robert Richey
Courses Plus Student 16,352 Points
Robert Richey
Robert Richey
Courses Plus Student 16,352 Points

All I can tell you is that it's rare to read articles or listen to industry experts talk about developing on a Windows machine. It is far more common for developers to either be using some version of Linux or OS X. It isn't likely you'd be 'turned down' for using a Windows laptop. It's not hard to install a virtual machine running Linux, or dual boot to Linux, if that really matters.

Some employers will expect you to use their available hardware (probably Mac), while others let you choose. It's worth asking about before or during an interview.

Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points
Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points

You might go with what you're used to, and this is a fairly common question online. I personally use a Mac.

stjarnan
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stjarnan
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 56,488 Points
stjarnan
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stjarnan
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 56,488 Points

Yes, i tried to google for some information but i just seemed to find the kind of articles where people flamed eachother if they didn't share the same opinions. Thanks for the link, found some great information there!

I appreciate it.