[sev]

I downloaded the trial and tried to create a Xmarin.Mac.Project and I got an error that I need to buy the software.

Did I choose the wrong option? If so, which one should I be testing? Why can't I test out all features of the tool?

Also, I agree with everyone else that the price point being $399 is way too high for personal development. Would it be possible to get something cheaper for personal development to see if it's actually useful for my needs?

[picklefish]

What did you try in? MonoDevelop? I downloaded MonoDevelop and the trail for ANDROID this weekend and was able to make an android app with no issues for free. The limit basically being that I could only use the emulator and not test on a real device. I'm not sure how they limit the mac version though. If you want to check it out maybe try out the iOS or android trial which definitely lets you build.

Also you could try MonoMac which is almost the same thing, and is OpenSource. The Xamarin version is supposed to have Wider API coverage and do a bit more (for the cost).