Getting started in App development

So, I've got some basic C++ and Objective C knowledge and have created a few games using them. I'm interested in porting them to the iPhone SDK and distributing them through the app store, but there's very little information available on where to start with this type of thing, and massively conflicting information on various websites. Apple seem loathe to provide any information until I've paid them $99.

So, from a basic standpoint, I need a Mac, right? What is the most basic unit which will run the SDK? It says on the site I need Intel based architecture running Leopard and the internet suggests that they've been making these since 2006, so they should be available pretty cheaply by now right? Will an older unit run slowly or have any problems?

As I understand it you can also run some versions of OSX on some PC's. Whilst obviously information on how to get this running isn't what I'm after. Has anyone used the SDK on a hackintosh PC? Does it run ok?

Finally, is there any way of trying out the SDK before paying the $99? A version where you can't publish stuff maybe?

For any serious development, yes, you need a Mac.

(To answer your later question, Hackintoshing is a way to go. I have hackintoshed my own computer, and I have helped 2 friends hack theirs. Both of them are using the iPhone SDK and making apps. There are many problems though, their hardware is not all working properly (one doesn't have wifi and sound). Also, they are running Leopard and not Snow Leopard, and it crashes more than a normal Mac does. The final verdict: If you are really tight on cash, you can hackintosh for free, but it is /not/ the best answer. Developing professional apps really does require a Mac.)

What kind of mac? It needs to be Intel, and it needs to be running Snow Leopard, Apple's latest and greatest OS. Leopard can no longer ( think ) run the latest version of the SDK, it is snow leopard only. The SDK is not that demanding, so if you buy an older computer off Ebay it should work fine. I personally think the new Mac Mini is a steal and would be great for any new developer. I'm looking at investing in one myself for a friend. (You'll need a monitor).

And lastly, yes, you can Download the iPhone SDK without going into a paid program. At http://developer.apple.com/ you can sign up for a free developer account and then Download the SDK. You can only download the most recent version, so if you are looking for some older ones you might need to go to some... shadier websites.

I wish you luck in your developing!