actually, on my macbook pro with Snow Leopard, MAME builds 32-bit even if the OS supports 64-bit apps. hence, I had to add PTR64=1. is this expected? or is the identification process at fault (and if this is the case, can I help to fix it?)

Means you're running a 32-bit kernel. OS X is weird in that it can run 64-bit apps on a 32-bit kernel in some cases. The autodetect on Macs only builds 64 bit if you boot the system 64-bit.

according to this article

http://www.macworld.com/article/142379/2009/08/snow_leopard_64_bit.html

Snow Leopard is fully capable of running 64bit apps, but the OS uses a 32bit kernel because current hw does not need a 64bit kernel. part of it might as well be true, but I don't currently really care: the important part is the full 64bit capability. hence, I will be able to play n64 at 50% of speed with no frameskip :P

back to the autodetect point, there is no problem if I have to add a PTR64=1, but I would suggest to update the original instructions with a paragraph about Snow Leopard 32bit users because the speed gain with a 64bit compile might be appreciated

The real bottom line is that unless you're running a rare handcrafted 3rd party kernel driver for something and/or don't have a Core 2 Duo CPU, you should just reboot with 6-4 held down or whatever the appropriate magic is and then the autodetect will kick in fine.

I will not change the instructions. Always ending up with a safe working executable is my first priority, especially for Mac users.

The autodetect could determine if there is a 64-bit EFI installed:

http://www.ihackintosh.com/2009/08/snow-leopard-106-and-64-bit-what-you-need-to-know/

But it's not a big issue... although that link could be useful for anyone that wants to always boot into a 64-bit kernel.

I do? That's definitely a oversight, I have a script I use to build them and package them up, I prob need to do some work on it still, as I haven't changed it since sdlmame merged into baseline. I'll take a look at it.

And I can't support Tiger as I no longer have a PPC Mac. I don't think there is a legit Intel 10.4 disk out there, I could be wrong though.

I'm new to the MAC and still testing out. Are these instructions still valid for XCode 4?

Is there a chance to achieve the same using GCC et al.?

XCode seems awfully big and I would like to keep the clutter down, don't need all the iOS developer stuff and such.

The instructions are still valid, yes.

XCode includes "GCC et al" - it's the easiest way to get it on the Mac. It's equivalent to installing the "development" package group on Linux distros.

Thanks, I'll see how it goes.

I was wondering about the XCode tools since it's 4GB and includes SDK, iOS emulators, etc. But I guess it's the best to go with the standard tools.

You can skip the iOS stuff when you install XCode.