[wolfdale]

I'm wondering if the cost for a MBA (~$900) is really worth it. To me I can practically get the same (and even better) desktop by just going with a $200 laptop loaded with Xubuntu, which I do have. My dilemma follows. I program dot NET apps at work and I wanted to start developing iPhone apps but in order to do so I have to by a Mac. I need help justifying the outlandish cost for a MBA/MBP. I would appreciate some feedback from linux uses.

[Algus]

I ran Ubuntu as my primary OS for over 4 years. I love Linux but it was so tiresome to tackle hardware issues every six months. Eventually I went LTS only and then outright moved to Debian just so I'd have stability.

For me OS X brings the usefulness of Unix without the frustrations of Linux.

For that I'm willing to pay a premium
For bundled OS X software I'm willing to pay a premium.
For Apple build quality and design, I'm willing to pay a premium.

The thing about Apple is that there is no buying it in part. It's a package deal: hardware and software. If you're OK with that, you're golden. It's not nearly as versatile or modular as Linux but it is virtually pain free for the end user.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk 4

[Trees]

If your Xubuntu laptop has enough horsepower and supports the IDE and related dev/test tools that you need to use for iOS development, then you could start out with what you have. If the laptop is going to struggle and take a relatively long time for compiles and debugging, then that may be a breakpoint for you to consider a more modern and robust system.

[warcraftWidow]

If your Xubuntu laptop has enough horsepower and supports the IDE and related dev/test tools that you need to use for iOS development, then you could start out with what you have. If the laptop is going to struggle and take a relatively long time for compiles and debugging, then that may be a breakpoint for you to consider a more modern and robust system.

It won't support it. iOS development requires a Mac to develop on. Yes there are some exceptions, but OP seems to want to do native iOS development and not a hybrid approach like PhoneGap so he/she needs a Mac.

[warcraftWidow]

I'm wondering if the cost for a MBA (~$900) is really worth it. To me I can practically get the same (and even better) desktop by just going with a $200 laptop loaded with Xubuntu, which I do have. My dilemma follows. I program dot NET apps at work and I wanted to start developing iPhone apps but in order to do so I have to by a Mac. I need help justifying the outlandish cost for a MBA/MBP. I would appreciate some feedback from linux uses.

If you have an available monitor, I'd suggest getting a Mac Mini. That would cut down on the cost.

[iHackPro]

If you're willing to do a little work, maybe a Hackintosh is for you.

Here are some Hackintosh-able laptops.
The Best Hackintosh Laptops of 2012 - For Mountain Lion
HCL 10.9.0/Portables - OSx86

Could be a lot of headache though, you don't get Apple support, and you don't get that Apple build quality. To me, it's worth the cost though.

[wolfdale]

Hackintosh. I never heard of it but it does sound interesting. Thanks for the info.

[Iosnation]

Good quality feel, I like that. But I think it is expensive?

[pkcable]

You could get a Mac desktop and then use your Xubuntu laptop to remote in to it.