I have recently got into game development, and have because I can't seem to find a thread that deals with my specific issues, I decided to make a new one. I do regret it, sorry to all those people who are sick of these threads.
I want to program a game, but I need a language that would be able to meet a few of my specific needs. Not trying to be picky.
It must be able to make apps/programs compatible with both Mac and PC!
It must be.. Somewhat, simple to learn. I do have some experience.
It must be able to make a game! I mean, it must support some frameworks or something. Those... Addons to code?
Must be able to run rather smoothly.
I would like it to have an IDE that works on Mac. If you know if it is, is it compatible with Xcode?
I believe that C++ works with this, but does Xcode support C++? I would prefer it.
I hope that my specific needs have made this thread slightly different.
You can't change the motherboard, CPU, or GPU. I believe you can only change RAM and HDD. Alienware is overpriced, and you can get a similarly spec'd laptop for much less.
The Mobo can't be replaced, the CPU is most likely soldered, but I have heard that you can replace the GPU of Alienwares. It's just difficult because it needs to fit into that damn laptop design.
I'm curious about laptops and specifically about Alienware laptops. I have only owned desktops in my life and I think the alienware would be awesome. I know I could choose the graphics card and everything on the website but I would like to know if I could change the hardware at home as easily on a laptop as I could on a desktop.
Knowing how compact a laptop is, it would probably be difficult.
Sup Xuanz. Haven't seen you in a while buddy. :biggrin.gif:
As for the hardware...
I am not sure about CPU exchange. In most laptops, CPU's are soldered on to help reduce the needed space and other benefits, but in a 17 inch I would not be sure. I would say pay more up front to be safe...?
The GPU should be easily interchangeable, I believe there are jsut some screws to unscrew, some drivers to install/delete, and a GPU to be replaced, plus it's replacement. But the Alienware GPU's are usually top of line, and will last a while.
RAM is always interchangeable, I believe. Simply open it up and put more sticks of RAM onto the Mobo. But check how many ports you have available on it. I wouldn't suggest more than 8 or so.
Hard drive is almost always interchangeable. Make sure that the cases are the proper size. Make sure it uses the proper port (typically SATA 6GB/s) and you should be able to replace it. If you ever do, I suggest a Solid-state for better battery life and faster speeds.
Don't take my word for it, I have only ever owned a desktop. (Two old alienwares are sitting in my room, partly dismantled... :tongue.gif: But one is so damn old it uses DDR2. 1GB. So **** that. And one has a dead PSU, and anyways it only outperforms MY computer in CPU. It has a worse GPU (now removed) and equal RAM. But that's a tower without a display, mine's a 13-inch laptop. We've come so far...
How can we find one that's cheaper if you don't tell us the price of the current config (at least $3000, if not more, I'll bet)? Not going to humor you, Macfag.
AAhh.... For me, I would technically be paying... 1,900$. The market value, (From Apple) is around 4,100? Don't ask why I'm paying less. It's complicated.
@_j03_
I haven't bought it yet... And Me personally wouldn't be paying for all of it.
If someone can show me a laptop around this size with equal to or greater specs, I will forever praise you. As long as it's cheaper.
As for the OS, I find that my Macbook is best for the simple day-to-day tasks, like when I'm at school and wanna just sit and maybe Minecraft a little, or for doing my homework. But my windows partition, (A feature Windows itself does not infact have!) it's better for gaming. And other various tasks. But never for the internet, I always download things on mac side first.
I am looking into programming, and am trying to decide on a language.
I've been looking into Objective-C because it's the native language of the iPhone and iPad and Mac's, and the iPhone development market is fairly open, so I could make some money there. However, I want to know some pros and cons of it.
Can it make games, using either OpenGL or other engines? What are the benefits over other languages, and what are the downsides compared to other languages?
I currently have some knowledge in objective-c and am thinking about what language to learn programming for. I have basic syntax knowledge, and want to know if I should continue to learn Objective-C or just learn Java or C# or C++ instead.
I can't link things, because I don't know where to get them, because I HAVE a Mac, and... Yeah.
Install the software; VMWareFusion for Windows or whatever, and it lets you install Mac OS X and run it in an emulator. Yeah, it's an emulator. Hope you can run it. :tongue.gif: You also need an OSX download cd, so borrow one or something. My friend borrowed mine.
Also, I believe that you can only keep 32 gb of files on it, so look into that.
I stopped reading when you said the Mac Air is a boss. If you do anything more intensive than web browsing and text editing, it overheats like a *****. If you're paying upwards of $999, shouldn't you be doing more than just web browsing and text editing?
I'd argue that you can do more than that.
It can definately do many things at once, granted, it can't run things like Aperture or most Adobe products.
My dad has both a 2007 and 2011 model. The new ones are most certainly small, and yet still rather powerful. They are also impressive for their battery lives. My dad is constantly working, checking his email, reading documents (PDFs and .docx), working on spreadsheets, and watching videos. All at the SAME time. I've played Minecraft on it, it runs almost as well as my 2009 base-line Macbook. It maintains a roughly 30FPS on Short render, fast graphics. But at the same time it does support Smooth Lighting.
Most notably, it uses only 20% of its battery on a 5-hour flight, Cross-USA. The battery, when not doing anything, nothing open, brightness on minimum, the battery says it will last around 14 hours. It's impressive.
But I agree. It can't do impressive tasks.
I find its a boss when you need a light, somewhat-powerful, long-lasting computer. What I find to be a boss, is the 15-inch macbook pro starting at 2,100 dollars, when it's fully upgraded. It's expensive, though, but I do need a computer refresh. More or less, just a computer. This Mac I have sucks at games.
I'm making an LP for the game, so basically I've got a screen recorder running in the background, as well as portal 2, with it one 1178x782 (Something close to that, my native is 1200x800) and most video settings medium, one on low. I'm running on a 2009 Macbook, with similiar specs.
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB DDR3 RAM
Nvidia 9400m with 256GB DDR3
Mac OSX 10.6.7
Since it can make a difference, 250GB hard-drive@5,400RPM
The only thing about yours that I question is the graphics card, but it should run fine on the lowest possible graphics settings, I guess. It's not the best news you'll hear, but... :sad.gif:
For an idea of how mine runs, I think I show my video settings in EP. 2 of my LP, and I have only slight lag. Its only ever near those damn propulsion gels and crap.
Safari is simple enough for me. It's also sleek enough, and the one plugin I use, (Hyperbar, shows Urls on the bottom of screen like other browsers) works fine. I don't typically use plugins though. And themes are a waste of time to me, people just judge you for them, and none are perfect for me. Safari's UI is simple enough for me, and when I enter an invalid address, I'm not taken to google.
Also, I noticed one person say that they wanted the feautures of Opera, Look of Safari, speed of chrome, and plugins of Mozilla. The problem is... The plugins of mozilla and features of Opera reduce the speed of chrome, thats why there's 'web apps.' The look of Safari would be counterintuitive to most Mozilla plugins, because they would clutter and ruin the GUI.
Do you know the other reason that you're not supposed to get into the laptop? Or... Other bonuses of the design?
The fact that you know the name of the machine makes me think you googled.
Computer Numerical Controls are standard machines in industry. A computer controls a milling head with multiple degrees of freedom for extreme precision and reproducibility.
As for the other reason, I am going to guess you want me to say something along the lines of "Steve Jobs doesn't want people upgrading hardware so they have to buy a new computer every 3 months." which would only be partially true.
The single piece design makes it stand up better to the elements, enhancing resale value.
Actually, another part is the fact that it lets them cram more into it. With most laptops, they're built to allow typical access. Macbooks are made that way because it reduces the necessary space for parts. It's rather innovative... Especially the Macbook Air, that things a boss. But as for the others.. The parts are built ONTO the unibody, rather than there being a skeleton or something.
This allows for the highest grade Macbook Pro 15-inch that there is, with all its greatness. (8GB RAM, AMD Radeon 6750 HD 1GB, 512GB solid-state, Intel i7 Quad-Core 2.3Ghz) Alienwares hardly compare, except the recently updated (Literally, maybe a week ago at most?) m14x. The Macbooks and Alienwares both have the same maximum processor, the only difference is that the best harddrive possible in the m14x is a 256GB solid state, or a 750gb@5,400RPM, and it has a frickin creepy graphics card. (Some... Nvidia GTX 550 or something. 3GB Memory. Damn.)
It's most intuitive in the Macbook Air. They took the casings off the parts, entirely. There is no case for the harddrive, it's literally just a solid state in a metal case. But it works good, thats for sure. The battery also has no case, its built in. It takes skill to replace it, and a voided warranty.
Also, even if you COULD get into your macbook, most CPUs on laptops are soldered in. I dunno why. But its also very hard to replace laptop parts, unless its a battery, ram, or hard drive.
The Apple Macbook Unibody. It's what they use on all their laptops. For the most part. But what does it REALLY mean? It's not actually one piece, the screen is a hinge... And why can't you open the bottom of your computer to replace stuff anymore?
Actually, I know the answers, (I think...?) I just want to see if anyone else knows. And don't Google the answer... Thats no fun. :sad.gif:
Nowadays though, and I've crunched multiple numbers...
Macs, specifically, a Macbook Pro 15-Inch is probably one of the best bargains out there I can find. Except for Alienware, which ran me around 300$ more, for roughly the same hardware.
The MacbookPro 15-inch is a powerhouse, fully upgraded. My dad has a Mac Pro from around 2004, and nowadays, a 15-inch laptop can beat it. 8GB DDR3 RAM is what my dad, and my future laptop (:biggrin.gif:) have.
The Quad-core Intel i7 2.3GHz Proccessor is one of the best out there. Straight from Intel's website, that's the best Laptop proccessor, without getting an overclocked or the 'extreme edition'.
Also, he has dual-graphics cards, so he just beats me in some GDDR5 RAM. But the AMD Radeon 6570 HD is almost as good.
Also, 512 GB Solid-state. Apple makes very good quality solid-state drives. My dad has a 2007 AND a 2010 Macbook Air, and the two perform wonderfully fast, at least read/write-wise. Also, this is backed up by this experiment: (I have proof!) You know, I still don't know what this has to do with anything. Except maybe providing performance. I mean, you could run Windows on this Mac, easy!
The cost of it all? In addition to the 15-inch screen, the fact that this is a LAPTOP, and the smart batteries? Well, it depends on the Solid-state drive; either 2,800$ or 3,900$. :tongue.gif:
0
I want to program a game, but I need a language that would be able to meet a few of my specific needs. Not trying to be picky.
It must be able to make apps/programs compatible with both Mac and PC!
It must be.. Somewhat, simple to learn. I do have some experience.
It must be able to make a game! I mean, it must support some frameworks or something. Those... Addons to code?
Must be able to run rather smoothly.
I would like it to have an IDE that works on Mac. If you know if it is, is it compatible with Xcode?
I believe that C++ works with this, but does Xcode support C++? I would prefer it.
I hope that my specific needs have made this thread slightly different.
0
The Mobo can't be replaced, the CPU is most likely soldered, but I have heard that you can replace the GPU of Alienwares. It's just difficult because it needs to fit into that damn laptop design.
0
Sup Xuanz. Haven't seen you in a while buddy. :biggrin.gif:
As for the hardware...
I am not sure about CPU exchange. In most laptops, CPU's are soldered on to help reduce the needed space and other benefits, but in a 17 inch I would not be sure. I would say pay more up front to be safe...?
The GPU should be easily interchangeable, I believe there are jsut some screws to unscrew, some drivers to install/delete, and a GPU to be replaced, plus it's replacement. But the Alienware GPU's are usually top of line, and will last a while.
RAM is always interchangeable, I believe. Simply open it up and put more sticks of RAM onto the Mobo. But check how many ports you have available on it. I wouldn't suggest more than 8 or so.
Hard drive is almost always interchangeable. Make sure that the cases are the proper size. Make sure it uses the proper port (typically SATA 6GB/s) and you should be able to replace it. If you ever do, I suggest a Solid-state for better battery life and faster speeds.
Don't take my word for it, I have only ever owned a desktop. (Two old alienwares are sitting in my room, partly dismantled... :tongue.gif: But one is so damn old it uses DDR2. 1GB. So **** that. And one has a dead PSU, and anyways it only outperforms MY computer in CPU. It has a worse GPU (now removed) and equal RAM. But that's a tower without a display, mine's a 13-inch laptop. We've come so far...
0
AAhh.... For me, I would technically be paying... 1,900$. The market value, (From Apple) is around 4,100? Don't ask why I'm paying less. It's complicated.
@_j03_
I haven't bought it yet... And Me personally wouldn't be paying for all of it.
0
Although, I would quite enjoy it if someone could post where I could get a computer that does compare the the 15 inch Macbook Pro?
No, I'm being serious. I've looked all around, and I can't find any other computer that really compares to the MacbookPro15 I might be getting.
2.3GHz Intel i7 Quad-Core
8GB RAM DDR3 1063MHz
512Solid-State drive
AMD Radeon HD 6570 w/ 1GB GDDR5 RAM
15.4' Screen, 1680x1050
If someone can show me a laptop around this size with equal to or greater specs, I will forever praise you. As long as it's cheaper.
As for the OS, I find that my Macbook is best for the simple day-to-day tasks, like when I'm at school and wanna just sit and maybe Minecraft a little, or for doing my homework. But my windows partition, (A feature Windows itself does not infact have!) it's better for gaming. And other various tasks. But never for the internet, I always download things on mac side first.
0
I've been looking into Objective-C because it's the native language of the iPhone and iPad and Mac's, and the iPhone development market is fairly open, so I could make some money there. However, I want to know some pros and cons of it.
Can it make games, using either OpenGL or other engines? What are the benefits over other languages, and what are the downsides compared to other languages?
I currently have some knowledge in objective-c and am thinking about what language to learn programming for. I have basic syntax knowledge, and want to know if I should continue to learn Objective-C or just learn Java or C# or C++ instead.
Thanks!
0
Install the software; VMWareFusion for Windows or whatever, and it lets you install Mac OS X and run it in an emulator. Yeah, it's an emulator. Hope you can run it. :tongue.gif: You also need an OSX download cd, so borrow one or something. My friend borrowed mine.
Also, I believe that you can only keep 32 gb of files on it, so look into that.
0
0
I'd argue that you can do more than that.
It can definately do many things at once, granted, it can't run things like Aperture or most Adobe products.
My dad has both a 2007 and 2011 model. The new ones are most certainly small, and yet still rather powerful. They are also impressive for their battery lives. My dad is constantly working, checking his email, reading documents (PDFs and .docx), working on spreadsheets, and watching videos. All at the SAME time. I've played Minecraft on it, it runs almost as well as my 2009 base-line Macbook. It maintains a roughly 30FPS on Short render, fast graphics. But at the same time it does support Smooth Lighting.
Most notably, it uses only 20% of its battery on a 5-hour flight, Cross-USA. The battery, when not doing anything, nothing open, brightness on minimum, the battery says it will last around 14 hours. It's impressive.
But I agree. It can't do impressive tasks.
I find its a boss when you need a light, somewhat-powerful, long-lasting computer. What I find to be a boss, is the 15-inch macbook pro starting at 2,100 dollars, when it's fully upgraded. It's expensive, though, but I do need a computer refresh. More or less, just a computer. This Mac I have sucks at games.
0
I'm making an LP for the game, so basically I've got a screen recorder running in the background, as well as portal 2, with it one 1178x782 (Something close to that, my native is 1200x800) and most video settings medium, one on low. I'm running on a 2009 Macbook, with similiar specs.
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB DDR3 RAM
Nvidia 9400m with 256GB DDR3
Mac OSX 10.6.7
Since it can make a difference, 250GB hard-drive@5,400RPM
The only thing about yours that I question is the graphics card, but it should run fine on the lowest possible graphics settings, I guess. It's not the best news you'll hear, but... :sad.gif:
For an idea of how mine runs, I think I show my video settings in EP. 2 of my LP, and I have only slight lag. Its only ever near those damn propulsion gels and crap.
0
Safari is simple enough for me. It's also sleek enough, and the one plugin I use, (Hyperbar, shows Urls on the bottom of screen like other browsers) works fine. I don't typically use plugins though. And themes are a waste of time to me, people just judge you for them, and none are perfect for me. Safari's UI is simple enough for me, and when I enter an invalid address, I'm not taken to google.
Also, I noticed one person say that they wanted the feautures of Opera, Look of Safari, speed of chrome, and plugins of Mozilla. The problem is... The plugins of mozilla and features of Opera reduce the speed of chrome, thats why there's 'web apps.' The look of Safari would be counterintuitive to most Mozilla plugins, because they would clutter and ruin the GUI.
0
Actually, another part is the fact that it lets them cram more into it. With most laptops, they're built to allow typical access. Macbooks are made that way because it reduces the necessary space for parts. It's rather innovative... Especially the Macbook Air, that things a boss. But as for the others.. The parts are built ONTO the unibody, rather than there being a skeleton or something.
This allows for the highest grade Macbook Pro 15-inch that there is, with all its greatness. (8GB RAM, AMD Radeon 6750 HD 1GB, 512GB solid-state, Intel i7 Quad-Core 2.3Ghz) Alienwares hardly compare, except the recently updated (Literally, maybe a week ago at most?) m14x. The Macbooks and Alienwares both have the same maximum processor, the only difference is that the best harddrive possible in the m14x is a 256GB solid state, or a 750gb@5,400RPM, and it has a frickin creepy graphics card. (Some... Nvidia GTX 550 or something. 3GB Memory. Damn.)
It's most intuitive in the Macbook Air. They took the casings off the parts, entirely. There is no case for the harddrive, it's literally just a solid state in a metal case. But it works good, thats for sure. The battery also has no case, its built in. It takes skill to replace it, and a voided warranty.
Also, even if you COULD get into your macbook, most CPUs on laptops are soldered in. I dunno why. But its also very hard to replace laptop parts, unless its a battery, ram, or hard drive.
0
The fact that you know the name of the machine makes me think you googled.
0
Actually, I know the answers, (I think...?) I just want to see if anyone else knows. And don't Google the answer... Thats no fun. :sad.gif:
I'll post my opinion in a while.
0
Macs, specifically, a Macbook Pro 15-Inch is probably one of the best bargains out there I can find. Except for Alienware, which ran me around 300$ more, for roughly the same hardware.
The MacbookPro 15-inch is a powerhouse, fully upgraded. My dad has a Mac Pro from around 2004, and nowadays, a 15-inch laptop can beat it. 8GB DDR3 RAM is what my dad, and my future laptop (:biggrin.gif:) have.
The Quad-core Intel i7 2.3GHz Proccessor is one of the best out there. Straight from Intel's website, that's the best Laptop proccessor, without getting an overclocked or the 'extreme edition'.
Also, he has dual-graphics cards, so he just beats me in some GDDR5 RAM. But the AMD Radeon 6570 HD is almost as good.
Also, 512 GB Solid-state. Apple makes very good quality solid-state drives. My dad has a 2007 AND a 2010 Macbook Air, and the two perform wonderfully fast, at least read/write-wise. Also, this is backed up by this experiment: (I have proof!) You know, I still don't know what this has to do with anything. Except maybe providing performance. I mean, you could run Windows on this Mac, easy!
The cost of it all? In addition to the 15-inch screen, the fact that this is a LAPTOP, and the smart batteries? Well, it depends on the Solid-state drive; either 2,800$ or 3,900$. :tongue.gif: