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mac128k-1984 · Jul 2, 2006, 07:25 AM

I'm not sure where this fits in, so I think the lounge may be my best option.

I'm toying with the idea of joining Apple's ADC program, the select one for $500. I'm thinking the cost will be covered by getting the pre (and gold) release of Leopard and the hardware discount. I'm about 80% sure I'll be buying a new desktop, though I am a tad hesitant to buy a rev a (but that's a subject for a different post).

I haven't developed anythnig in OSX before and any development I do undertake will be small in scale and scope. I'm not sure what the learning curve is, but I think I could either use java, or bang out a widgte or two.

Anways, anyone have thoughts, opinions on ADC, knowing that I'm really just a hobbiest rather then a dedicted developer, does joining the ADC for 500 makes sense?

I also know they have a student adc package, but I'm not a student, so that throws that option out the window.

Angus_D · Jul 2, 2006, 09:29 AM

Generally, I'd say ADC doesn't make sense unless you need the seeds and you can justify that as a legitimate expense. You'd have to spend a fair bit on your desktop to recoup the cost of membership.

I can't really see why you need the seeds, nor does it sound like you're going to use the DTS incidents. Then again, it's your call.

memory-minus · Jul 2, 2006, 09:45 AM

You'll get Leopard seeds, but I guarantee they will be absolutely useless as a "daily driver" OS. Too many things unfinished, incomplete or just broken. They are for ensuring your application runs on the next OS and to implement new features into your apps, nothing more. If I recall correctly from my time with a employer-purchased ADC Select membership before Panther was released, they wait until the day it comes out in stores to allow you to download the gold release.

You *might* break even with the hardware discount if you purchase a top of the line PowerMac/MacPro (whatever it will be called) or MacBook Pro. Discounts on other machines don't come anywhere close to $500.

I would not consider the mailings, lab access, DTS incidents, etc., worthwhile for someone who describes themselves as:

Originally Posted by mac128k-1984

I haven't developed anythnig in OSX before and any development I do undertake will be small in scale and scope. I'm not sure what the learning curve is, but I think I could either use java, or bang out a widgte or two.

My suggestion is to see if your employer has a purchase program (hardware discount) deal with Apple and just wait for Leopard in stores (or included with your new Mac).

mac128k-1984 · Jul 2, 2006, 11:35 AM

Thanks for the update, I want to make good use of my limited funds. Sounds like the ADC wouldn't be a good fit.

Thanks

Amorya · Jul 2, 2006, 05:38 PM

Well, you get the final version of Leopard too. If you'd be buying that separately, that would cost you a bit. The hardware discount is about 20%. Basically, if that's all you want it for, just do the maths and see if it's worth it. If you're not a developer, you probably won't get much use out of the rest of it.

mac128k-1984 · Jul 2, 2006, 06:30 PM

I'm a developer just not a serious one.

I'm working on the math now, I get the gold copy of Leopard, that's a 125 dollar value and it looks like a middle of the road G5 powermac has a 500 dollar discount. While I have no idea if the same will be for the new line but its a good benchmark.

That said it looks like I may break even or come out a little ahead.