Comment by max76 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by max76 | Hacker News Reader

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I don't expect this product line to be the most popular mac product line, but it does have it's users.

* A mac is required for iOS development, so it can be used as a build server for teams working in Xamarin. Possibly used in other cross platform mobile development workflows. (Who: mobile developers, Why: to run builds)

* People that need more I/O than a macbook pro can support. In addition to the I/O a MBP has this has 10GB Ethernet, 2 USB A, HDMI, and a dedicated power slot. It's also significantly cheaper than the iMac Pro, while also having 10GB Ethernet. (Who: People working in video, photography, and anyone that heavily uses a 10GB network. Why: Better connectivity)

* Groups with existing macos server applications that want a headless server with cheaper/newer hardware than the Mac Pro or old Mac Mini. (Who: companies with macos server programs running. Why: It's newer better hardware)

* People that want a very small computer. (Who: Everyday consumers. Why: Small footprint. It's the cheapest Mac for people that like MacOS but don't the need portability of a macbook or the monitor of an iMac.)

Put me down under number 1.

I'm dreading buying anything from Apple, but I need to compile my React Native app.

I keep waiting for old generation macs to enter the used market to drive down prices. Hopefully I can snag a used one, compile once, and forget about the experience.

Have you considered hosted options?

https://macminicolo.net/pricing.html

Still absurdly expensive, but this might be a solution.

I could use a friends unused mac....

Thank you for the idea, I seriously didnt consider that.

That's $70/month for 2014 hardware (dual core no ssd), or $120 if you need a quad core or ssd. Prices for the new hardware haven't yet been announced.

Either way, if they keep their same pricing, there's a 12 month break even of buying your own hardware if you don't need to be on a data center backbone.

Good points. Do you know anyone who offers a Digital Ocean type of service where you can quickly spin up a machine and pay by the hour? May be useful for people who only need a machine occasionally to compile an app for iOS.

There's https://portal.macincloud.com/select/#/plans

Visual Studio App Centre has a build pipeline for React Native

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/services/app-center/

I'm currently an MBP user (and have been for several years). But I find myself not using the keyboard and screen that often, most of what I do is shuttle between home and office where I have better keyboards and larger screens. The mini looks like an interesting option because it can take more RAM than MBP, and is smaller/more portable. For those few times when I actually need a portable screen and keyboard, it may be possible to use an ipad pro for that, might be worth checking that out, or some other solution may be out there. Likewise on the MBP, I seldom actually need a battery, so I feel like I'm paying a huge premium for the laptop form factor.

That said, I can afford the MBP; as a professional, one shouldn't cheap out on tools that help you get your job done efficiently.

* Employees with desktop administration done with JAMF.

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