Although it's not phonegap-specific, a lot of Windows developers will start iPhone development by using a tool like phonegap. The easiest way to move to this environment is to use a Macintosh. For many of us, this is a new world and it isn't obvious what Mac to get.
Apple differentiate their computer products two product groups, laptop and desktop, and two target groups, consumer and pro.
Laptop
The typical developer will probably want to use a laptop for their software development. There are basically two types of MacBooks that you can get:
- MacBook - 13.3" laptop
- MacBook Pro - 13.3", 15.4" or 17" laptop
- MacBook Air - 13" (The 11" is an option, however is not recommended)
The difference between the MacBook and MacBook pro 13.3" is that the Pro has a Firewire port, SD-card reader, backlit keyboard and an aluminium enclosure. Processor speed is not really a factor when developing for mobile devices. There are some video chip differences between the different models but the size of the screen is the basic differentiating factor. Only you can decide how big of a screen you'd like. A good way to see and feel them is to go to an Apple store or a Best Buy.
After that, the configuration of the device (CPU processor speed, RAM, disk space) is very comparable to the Windows world. In general, get as much RAM as you can afford. [Important note: Apple overcharges more for their RAM than any other component; most Mac owners recommend buying the *minimum* RAM from Apple, then upgrading it w/ high-quality aftermarket RAM.] CPU and disk space will be dictated by your particular needs and price. At least 150 GB of disk space is a good starting point for the development tools that will be needed. You probably shouldn't get less than 2 GB of RAM for the laptop either.
Development can certainly take place with the MacBook Air - a thinner, more expensive version. Please note that the Air has a maximum of 4 GB of internal ram and cannot be upgraded.
Desktop
iMac
The iMac is an all-in-one available in different configurations. For mobile development the screen size is the differentiating factor: 21,5" or 27".
Mac mini
It has also been suggested that a Mac Mini would make a good platform for development. The Mini is a small desktop Mac, also known as a BYODKM (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard and Mouse). It is aimed at switchers from windows who already own a good display or consumers who like to choose their own display. If you are interested in that type of environment, use the same specs as the MacBook when configuring the computer.
Mac Pro
The Mac Pro is a desktop aimed at professionals who need a lot of power in a big tower. It is totaly overkill for mobile development and a very expensive option.
Software
Mac's run Mac OS by default. The current version is Mac OS Snow Leopard, aka 10.6. It comes free with every new Mac. Almost all the software you'll need is available for Mac OS. If you can't live without Microsoft Windows you can run this on a Mac with Bootcamp. Bootcamp gives you the option to load Windows instead of Mac OS on booting up your machine. If you wan't to switch environments you have to reboot.
Another option is to use virtualisation software like Parallels, VMWare and Virtualbox. This gives you the option to run Windows and Mac OS the same time. Make sure you have enough RAM installed in your Mac. It will work with 2GB, but the more, the better.
It also possible to run Linux on your Mac.
On a tight budget?
Many, many Mac owners swear by the Apple refurbished route; you still get a full-warranty, perfect and nearly unused machine (often flawless returns from someone who changed their mind or had a trivial software issue), for a 10-15% discount.
