I am new to developing for apple and would like to develop apps for the iPhone. I have looked at the pricing of Macs and I sadly cannot afford one. What is the cheapest (and easiest) way of developing for Apple iOS?
Want to Start Developing for iOS
The cheapest Mac mini will do the job fine (A used one could be a better deal even).
Thank you. I was also wondering what would stay relevant the longest because I do not want to do anything groundbreaking, but I want a computer that will work for many years to come.
I am looking at a used mac mini "Apple Mac Mini A1283 2009 Core2 Duo 2GHz, 4GB RAM, 120GB HDD, nVidia GPU" Link here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-Mac-Mini-A1283-2009-Core2-Duo-2GHz-4GB-RAM-120GB-HDD-nVidia-GPU/301983971207?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3Ddf51d62a9ccb473a92c49a7a977e77b7%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D7%26rkt%3D13%26sd%3D282034969342
The newer model you buy, the longer before it's obsolete. The newer model you buy, the more you'll have to spend. 'cheap' typically goes by the way at that point for some people.
I'd surf the Apple Store for the newest refurb I could afford. Be sure to max the ram when ordering, as it's soldered on these days and once you buy, you can't add more, and you don't want to get stuck with marginal memory.
It might help get specific suggestions here if you could mention your budget...
The 2009 model is too old. It won't be supported by macOS Sierra and this will prevent you from running the latest Xcode in the fall. Used 2012 Mac mini models are still a favorite because of their upgradability. I'd recommend targeting those.