Hi, My main goal in 2013 is to get into the Apple Store. I've no idea about Macs, iOS or the rest of it. Currently, I use a Windows 8 PC to build my Android Apps. I will, of course, study GoNorthWest's guide. But what do you think would be a sensible way to get my hardware set up to develop for iOS? I need to be able to work on developing apps so I think that a desktop style computer would be better than something like a tablet. I also need to be able to switch between android development and iOS development, easily. I have an iTouch to view apps as they would appear on a phone. However, I really want to target iPads so I need a way of viewing these on a device somehow, too. How can I achieve this? I would only have a fairly limited budget for this. What sort of set up would you suggest? John

You will need a mac to develop ios applications. There are loads of last generation models available quite cheap on amzon. If you get a chance you should listen to stobes buzzcast he dedicated an episode to this. You can listen to it through itunes on windows. I seen a mac mini for £320 on Amazon a couple of weeks ago that would do teh job, just plug that into a monitor. Te ios equivalent to eclipse, is xcode this is free software it has built in simulators that work well for ipad and iphone with retina options. To build on a device you will have to sign up to apple's developer programme.

Thanks, Kitsy. Great info. What models am I looking for, please? John

Hi, to develop ios apps, you will definietly need a mac. I tried to build a hackintosh, but it was just not worth it. I decided to go with the lowest priced MacBook air, which solves all my problems. You can run eclipse with an Android Emulator just fine, and of course the free XCode to develop or compile iOS apps. XCode has the iphone and ipad simulator too, so you should have no problems. At the moment I have absolutely left behind Microsoft Windows, and use only a Mac.... I am amazed at the quality and speed of the mac, and wonder how I ever did not buy this immediately. However, for Apple developer programs, you will also need a $99 per year subscription to the developer programme. Without that, your apps will not be in the appstore. Give us a shout if you have any more questions. chris

Sounds like the best way to go for you would be to get the cheapest iMac - I started on (and am still using) a Macbook Air...its incredible as far as portability goes, but the 13 inch screen can be a pain if you have a lot of programs open. Really, as long as you have some kind of system running osx you'll be able to make an app. Having physical devices to test on is definitely nice, but I know a lot of people get by just with having an iphone. Xcode has a simulator that allows you to see exactly how your app will look on an iPad.

Thanks, Chris. You were posting at the same time as me. I might well be in touch. Thanks for the offer, Chris.

Thanks, Absentia. I might go for something older. I'm just concerned if I go for the wrong software version I'll be left high and dry. What version iOS do I need as a practical minimum, please?

You need an intel mac that runs at least snow leopard, but it's best to upgrade the os to mountain lion to get full use. Absentia is right, screen space is key I use a 2009 15" MacBookPro. and even that screen is a bit small when you have got lots of windows open. I will be getting a new imac 27 when my budget can stretch. There aren't as many offers for the last generation imac over here due to the new one not habving a optical drive, they will hold value well. Plus eclipse runs on a mac so it may become just your devloping machine

I suggest MAC OSX Mountain Lion (on mac minis and Air built 2009 onwards), and I develop up to ios 5.x , while keeping high def resolutions in mind. My dream is in developing ipad software for children, especially those with special needs. I have always looked to help others...

I suggest MAC OSX Mountain Lion (on mac minis and Air built 2009 onwards), and I develop up to ios 5.x , while keeping high def resolutions in mind. My dream is in developing ipad software for children, especially those with special needs. I have always looked to help others...

Don't look at practical minimum when it comes to developing software, cost effective maximum is what you want. You want it to run the latest software, there is no point buying a lower end speck because as ios progresses your machine will not be able to keep up and old code will become redundant. As I said my macbookpro is three years old and still working a dream, just want a bigegr screen. Checkout groupon as well they have been doing some offers knocking 30% off from thehut.com, colleague bought a 13" 2011 macbookpro for £730 remember the newer the hardware the longer it will be supported

PS. A high definition monitor is ALWAYS recommended... (1. reduces eyestrain.. believe me, it does), and 2... there are always a myriad of windows open on any project... Remember the subscriptions for Buzztouch (WORTH IT!), the Developer Program, and of course, any software you might need... on this point I prefer a windows machine with perhaps Paint Shop Pro or the like... solid, dependable but affordable. It is easy to go down the path of piracy, I believe, but it is totally avoidable. Use freeware...

Thanks, folks. Lots for me to think about. Don't worry, ZeesApps, there is not a single piece of pirated software on my machine and there never will be:) Looks like I will have to get my chequebook out. My wife would confirm that I don't do so very often! Any other thoughts gratefully received. John

Here's a link to the webcast episode mentioned earier in this thread: http://idevdepot.com/episode13/ You could listen to me ramble on for quite some time explaining the best models for "bang for the buck" and some resources on buying mac gear cheap(er), or you can look at the written summary for a quick overview. If you're looking to get something new (retail), then I believe the best bang for the buck is still the ~$599 mac mini (if you don't need the portability of a laptop). Especially if you have any PC gear that you can share with it (monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc).

Thanks, Stobe. I was trying to find your buzzcast. The written summary looks awesome. I'll go and read and learn. John

Once last thing, please. I want to develop for Newsstand. The target market are iPads. Do I have to test on an iPad or will I be able to test successfully on a Mac of some sort?

I'm not familiar with that exact scenario, but if it uses Xcode to compile, then you can use the iOS simulator for testing on ipad. Though, it is always suggested that you test on a real device. If you don't have an ipad to test on, you can find Gen1 ipads for under $200 regularly on cowboom.com - but the ipad mini is also a nice test device (minus retina) for $329 (or less, used).

Thanks, Stobe. That's a great idea, thank you. I'm in the UK and even the second hand stuff goes for a lot more, unfortunately. But I might be able to find a bargain somewhere..... Your guide has been extremely helpful. Many thanks for that, too. John

John, for UK, I found great deals at CEX ( http://uk.webuy.com/ )... but that is only when I am in good old England, which is great for you...they don't ship abroad.

https://github.com/Simbul/baker/wiki/4.0-tutorial-for-Newsstand https://github.com/viggiosoft/NewsstandTutorial http://www.viggiosoft.com/blog/blog/2011/10/17/ios-newsstand-tutorial/ a few tutorials for newstand, probably won't develop through buzztouch, after all you wouldn't want to change stuff in a book in a control panel. the github ones are working examples

Thanks for the tip, ZeesApps.

Thanks, Kittsy. My little brain is struggling with all of this information but I hope to get there with it.

For Newsstand publishing, an alternative to BuzzTouch and the Baker Framework is the MagCast service at: http://www.magcasting.co/ Download a free sample of ScreenCast Online magazine to experience the result of using the MagCast service. Don McCallister has a paid SCO issue that goes into detail of the MagCast service. Pay for it and watch that video. Then make a decision. By using the MagCast service, you get these benefits at a price for $300/month: 1. Won't need to buy a Mac 2. Won't need to buy Mac-specific software (Adobe, Pixelmator, etc) 3. Won't need to deal with headaches of BuzzTouch or Baker Framework 4. However, you will not be able to publish for Android Tablets The MagCast uses PDF screenshots as the background and superimposes a layer of hot spots on top of those background images. It is a simple and very effective approach to creating Newsstand-worthy publications. Video and audio can also be implements with MagCast. Decisions, decisions ... :-)

Hi Niraj, Many thanks for the thought:) I've ruled out that idea as the cost is quite a lot plus they take 30% of income. But I appreciate the idea. John

I use an old 1st Gen iPad and a iPhone 3GS for testing. The iPad can only be upgraded to iOS v5.1.1, so that is my development 'baseline' because MOST Apple devices (of any recent manufacture) can still run their latest iOS. A Mac Mini is certainly a great little machine. But if at all possible, I'd say find a Laptop that can run Mountain Lion. Getting anything older will stifle your ability to grow without spending MORE money for another Mac Setup, and a laptop will accommodate a second monitor. No problem with the Mini, but Displays are getting less expensive, and having a second display is a real boon regardless of your environment. The iPad simulator isn't actually all that bad, compared to my real device. A bit sluggish. The problem there is real estate; I have two screens hooked up to my MacBook pro. I develop on the MacBook screen and run my simulators (and reference material) on the second screen. Just my thoughts. I have no clue about the markets, but I wish you much success! Cheers! -- Smug

Mac Mini is probably Apples best priced computer for what you get, they're quite nice little machines, with hdmi out you will not even need a monitor, hook it up to a tv.

Thank you SmugWimp and Arubaman. It's all helping me. :)

For Newsstand publishing, the Baker Framework is very appropriate. http://bakerframework.com/books Take a look at App Ville, which was implemented with BF (I think). For more information, contact Tope Abayomi, the UK publisher, iOS Developer, User Interface Designer and Teacher extraordinaire. http://www.AppDesignVault.com/contact/ I have signed-up for Tope's informative weekly email newsletters. -- Niraj

Sorry, forgot to give you the link for App Ville magazine for iPhone and iPad is https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/app-ville/id538819928?mt=8&ls=1 The App Ville magazine is free and the issues are free. -- Niraj

Thanks, Niraj.

If the focus is on absolute min budget... not value... then an intel based mac mini would be suggested. you'll be able to leverage of your other pc components such as monitor, mouse and keyboard... good luck...