Cheapest way to do iOS

So I already know there is a 100$ fee for the license (just like Windows Phone and XBox), but I'm curious what hardware I need. And what OS is required on it. I'm looking to spend as little as possible. I have an iPad and iPhone for testing, but no machine to build.

I'm also looking for thoughts on what will happen down the road. If i get a low end device, will I have to buy another used apple product to keep building?

I know very little about the software cycle of apple. I'm a microsoft guy and could go on for days about windows phone 8 vs windows phone 7.8 :) But I need some help with the iOS stuff.

P.S. I'm looking for legal ways, so no VMWare/Virtual Box shenanigans.

Did you know you can test and publish to your iPad and iPhone directly from your Windows machine already? That is, if you use cloud build services like appMobi and Ludei.

I was thinking about using CocoonJS, is there another Ludei service i'm not aware of?

I have not tried appMobi yet, but will look into it now.

Thanks!

firebelly I know that is an old thread, but did you manage to publish for iOS from windows using CocoonJS?

Ludei has worked for exporting, It's been an up and down battle, black screens and that type of thing. I still to borrow my GF's macbook to try it out.

Thanks for that info...Before , I was 10% decided to signup for an Apple account, and now my hopes are up to 80% <img src="smileys/smiley20.gif" border="0" align="middle" />

Do you have any experience with Amazon kindle using CocoonJS?

The stuff told my that app submited has failed testing on half of devices tested :( It is the compass on my signature