Hardware Overview Running Mac OS X - Version 10.5.8 Model Name: iMac Model Identifier: iMac8,1 Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo ******** Processor Speed: 3.06 GHz Number Of Processors: 1 Total Number Of Cores: 2 L2 Cache: 6 MB Memory: 2 GB Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz I am in the middle of downloading Xcode 3.2.6 and iOS SDK 4.3 and was going to install it but my question is... Will I be able to compile my iPhone apps with this build, software and hardware OR am I wasting my time? I'd hate to have to get a new Mac Book Pro BUT... I am committed if that's what it'll take. I hope not but will hustle my butt off to get the money for a new Mac Book Pro. Please advise. Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer. Fingers crossed. :) Sorry if I couldn't find this specific answer. I found a few posts about Do I need a Mac? and questioning older Macs WITHOUT Intel chips but mines has the Intel chip so hopefully this is good news.

It's my understanding that 'any' Intel Powered Mac is enough. I was having no problem 3 years ago compiling on a then 'older' first gen. Intel machine. The only thing I can think of that may be a gotcha is the newest iOS SDK. I think it requires the latest version of OSX - not sure but look into this before spending any dough on a rig.

Okay thanks David. I found out that I can upgrade my iMac to the latest Snow Leopard OS 10.6.3 by just purchasing the disc at an Apple store or Best Buy for $30. So hopefully later on today I'll be good to go with the upgrade. Thanks for all your help! :) J

David is right, any Intel Mac will run Xcode 3.2.6 and and below. Your machine, as specified, will run Xcode 3.2.6 and iOS SDK 4.3 but not Xcode 4, as it requires 10.6.6. It might be a little slower with only 2 GB of ram (It maxes out at 4GB for about $70), but unless you're doing graphics, photo or video work a lot, you should only need to upgrade the OS to use Xcode 4.

Careful when upgrading to snow leopard on an iMac. A friend did this and his installer disc got stuck in the drive. I think his installer disc had a label on it and the extra heat created by the vertical DVD drive caused the label to warp the disc enough that it screwed up his update and he couldn't get the disc out. I'm not saying don't, I'm saying take care. I use an external DVD drive on my iMac because of troubles with the internal. I use my macpro for app stuff though. Oh and up the ram if you can. 2gb isn't much.

Thanks @erichoph and @basement. I love the fast replies you get in this forum from folks who really care about this community that I am PROUD to be a part of. I couldn't sleep so up and getting ready to head out to Best Buy. Hopefully they don't talk me into buying a new MacBook Pro ha ha ;) I am going to go try the disc OS upgrade first. Then if I find I need more power, speed and what have you I'll get myself a new MacBook but not until I sell a few apps! :) I love this place! Thanks guys!! J p.s. I appreciate the heads up on the label and drive.