Hope for official Blu-Ray option in new Mac Pro?

[James_C]

And? How is that relevant to anything I said? Wait, I can answer that. It's not. At all. So why did you quote me in order to tell us what we already know?

Apologies I was not clear what point I was responding to - I should have edited your quote. It was specifically this point

We are not the designers. The design is set. It includes two optical bays in MacPro and one optical bay in almost all other products.

In fact Apple have currently only one other product that has an optical drive the cMBP. I suspect the rMBP and the cMBP lines will be merged either this year or next. If Apple is really redesigning the Mac Pro for the next generation of Pro Desktop machines, I can't see it keeping a format (optical drive) that it has been dropping in all its other consumer lines.

 

[righteye]

This has always angered me about Apple that Job,s personal dislike of BR stopped us all getting a far superior medium to watch and hear movies on.
One thinks of Apple being about quality and but in this area they let the side down.
If i knew how i would create an App that that simulated a disk being loaded ( just for fun).
iTunes as well is a let down still no high quality files available its such a chore hunting around for FLAC files or buying a CD and burning it.
At the risk of repeating myself i doubt if a new Mac Pro will bear much resemblance to the old version, for sure it will not have a built in optical drive, and many of its features will be Thunderbolt add ons (like PCIe housing etc) although that could be cool as one could perhaps have as many PCIe housings and consequently cards as one likes.

 

[Tesselator]

Apologies I was not clear what point I was responding to - I should have edited your quote. It was specifically this point



In fact Apple have currently only one other product that has an optical drive the cMBP. I suspect the rMBP and the cMBP lines will be merged either this year or next. If Apple is really redesigning the Mac Pro for the next generation of Pro Desktop machines, I can't see it keeping a format (optical drive) that it has been dropping in all its other consumer lines.

Ah, right, I see what you're saying. Sure, speculatively speaking which in itself is about as useful as rubber poop (and just as fun), you probably have a point. Still, I dunno. How many people self-building their over-clocked monsters leave out the DVD drive? Maybe almost none - or only shuttle builders? If they (Apple) leave out the 5.25 bays (more pointless speculation: ) it'll be because they wish to steer the masses and not because they wish to cater to popular demand. Right, I mean we've all read how the big companies Apple included, are investing in cloud and cloud-like facilities where the resources and power are removed from the end user and placed subject to control, in the hands of the mega-entities they're creating and investing in.

Of course we won't know till we know which makes all this pointless speculation... well, pointless. We won't even know there is to be another MacPro until the 1st one ships. Sure, some "officials" have published the current intent but how many times have we seen intentions reversed or dropped? I know I have a bunch. So I usually try not to engage in speculation - most of it is pretty stupid anyway.

 

[KaraH]

What did you end up going with?

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MRF8UEBDW14S/ (normally 300+, I got it at 239, right now it is 215)

Yes, a bit more expensive than an internal but it looked like a good drive. I needed to update my copy of toast anyway.

 

[greenmeanie]

Another BR thread jeesh.
Give it up already.

 

[Tesselator]

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MRF8UEBDW14S/ (normally 300+, I got it at 239, right now it is 215)

Yes, a bit more expensive than an internal but it looked like a good drive. I needed to update my copy of toast anyway.

Ah, the LG burner in what looks to be a pretty nice case. Cool!

On price, yeah, basically you paid $150 for the case. Later when/if the drive dies you can just put whatever internal you like in there.

 

[KaraH]

Ah, the LG burner in what looks to be a pretty nice case. Cool!

On price, yeah, basically you paid $150 for the case. Later when/if the drive dies you can just put whatever internal you like in there.

True, but I like the drive. I tested it by burning a couple DVDs and the performance was much better than my internal. I like the idea of my BD being external anyway so I have the option of hooking it up to another machine PDQ. Unlike 3.5's which I do not expect to move until they or the machine dies/gets upgraded (well, not counting system backups of course).

 

[rezwits]

[*]No one sane buys a $3k to $20K computer and then complains about a $50 optional expenditure nor a $50 bundled unit in the case Apple decided to include one as standard.

[*]The word "Option" does indeed mean there is potentially zero impact.
[/LIST]

Yeah it's pretty sick, it's like getting an air freshener for your car really.

I choose external anyway, so I can switch to other machines anyway, so even an internal port is not needed. Just an external case done, it's not even an issue…

If you pick up a $99 case of OWC, with FW800 USB2 and eSata, you USE AND ABUSE the $50 blu-ray drive you buy, and when you're done? buy another for $50 and put it in the case, and USE AND ABUSE again.

It's really nice…

 

[Tesselator]

Makes sense...

I like external too!

Wouldn't it be nice if MacPro6,1 came with 6 or 8 independent eSATA or USB3 ports? Maybe 4 or 6 of each? YAY!

 

[appleaddiction]

New Blu-Ray drive for upcoming Mac Pro

The day Apple announced the new Mac Pro, I went to work developing this product. I did the design myself and I've been working with a manufacturer here in the states to make the enclosure.

It's round, slim, and sits beneath the Pro. It's based on the pana UJ265 slot load drive.

I'm working on getting the price down, but I'm just a college kid so I don't have much capital for a large initial order. Hopefully, if pre-orders go well I can keep the price at $159, instead of $179.

Let me know what you guys think

 

[ActionableMango]

This feels like spam, but I think its awesome.

Even better if you can make it bus powered... one less wire for the inevitable iTube cable clutter.

So, what does this Fastmac think about you using the name Fastmac to sell a Mac accessory?

 

[wonderspark]

First, I think the new Mac Pro looks very prone to being knocked over easily, and this makes it appear even easier to knock over... unless you have some sort of method to actually attach to the iTube. If so, your device could further stabilize the tippy tube. Maybe even make it bigger.

Second, I have a BD-R in my Mac Pro now, but playing commercial BD-Rs is a bit of an art via MakeMKV and VLC... What is your method referred to in the "QuickStart" guide? Is it plug-and-play simple, meaning OSX just plays them, or does it remain the same semi-frustrating experience it is today?

It looks like a nice idea, overall.

 

[appleaddiction]

NOOO, not spam. I'm just looking for some feedback from Mac users. I've removed the link to the product.

@ActionableMango, FastMac was/is a working title. I've secured NuMac.co and I'll be transferring things over soon. It is bus powered

----------

First, I think the new Mac Pro looks very prone to being knocked over easily, and this makes it appear even easier to knock over... unless you have some sort of method to actually attach to the iTube. If so, your device could further stabilize the tippy tube. Maybe even make it bigger.

Second, I have a BD-R in my Mac Pro now, but playing commercial BD-Rs is a bit of an art via MakeMKV and VLC... What is your method referred to in the "QuickStart" guide? Is it plug-and-play simple, meaning OSX just plays them, or does it remain the same semi-frustrating experience it is today?

It looks like a nice idea, overall.

I reference the VLC hack for free playback, and I'm trying to work out a deal with these guys --> http://www.macblurayplayer.com/ for enhanced playback capabilities.

 

[throAU]

You have 6 thunderbolt ports. Plug whatever drive type you like into them.

 

[DisMyMac]

It's round, slim, and sits beneath the Pro. It's based on the pana UJ265 slot load drive.

How good is the Panasonic UJ265 with encrypted discs? Roughly half of my library can't even mount in my Optiarc drive, while some discs take 5-10 tries before mounting by sheer luck.

Also, will the firmware require a PC to update? (I think I know the answer to that.)

 

[jonnysods]

There is no way. Apple won't play ball on this one. I've been dreaming about bluray in an iMac for many moons now...

 

[handsome pete]

There is no way. Apple won't play ball on this one. I've been dreaming about bluray in an iMac for many moons now...

Why would Apple have to play ball? It's a 3rd party external drive.

 

[Macsonic]

The day Apple announced the new Mac Pro, I went to work developing this product. I did the design myself and I've been working with a manufacturer here in the states to make the enclosure.

It's round, slim, and sits beneath the Pro. It's based on the pana UJ265 slot load drive.

I'm working on getting the price down, but I'm just a college kid so I don't have much capital for a large initial order. Hopefully, if pre-orders go well I can keep the price at $159, instead of $179.

Let me know what you guys think

It's a nice fit though would there be any heat problems? The heat generated by both the Mac Pro and your blu ray player for very long hours as the Mac Pro sitting on top? I am not an expert, just a thought.

 

[jonnysods]

Why would Apple have to play ball? It's a 3rd party external drive.

I meant then including one internally.

 

[deconstruct60]

It's round,

Why? Not going to mesh to the bottom of the new Mac Pro since it is rounded and curved. It is merely a pedestal. Similar in trying to match the black... good luck on that one.

[ The mini doesn't have a ODD either. ]

slim, and sits beneath the Pro.

Apple hasn't hinted on hot much this weighs yet. Case is still aluminum. The thermal core likely weighs a far amount relative to this minimized pedestal.

Placing the drive as high as possible either runs it into the roof (which is load bearing issue ) or the top support ( which can be a heat transfer issue).

I'm working on getting the price down,

If that means plastic case ( presuming because of the notched front which probably don't want to do with metal if minimizing costs ) then not so sure going to appeal to the aesthetic submarket apparently primarily going after. Black plastic isn't likely to match black paint on aluminum.

 

[shenfrey]

Apple are leading the charge in terms of digital distribution. Good on them and good riddance to CDs and DVDs.

 

[appleaddiction]

Why? Not going to mesh to the bottom of the new Mac Pro since it is rounded and curved. It is merely a pedestal. Similar in trying to match the black... good luck on that one.

[ The mini doesn't have a ODD either. ]


Apple hasn't hinted on hot much this weighs yet. Case is still aluminum. The thermal core likely weighs a far amount relative to this minimized pedestal.

Placing the drive as high as possible either runs it into the roof (which is load bearing issue ) or the top support ( which can be a heat transfer issue).


If that means plastic case ( presuming because of the notched front which probably don't want to do with metal if minimizing costs ) then not so sure going to appeal to the aesthetic submarket apparently primarily going after. Black plastic isn't likely to match black paint on aluminum.

Yep, pedestal indeed. I contemplated an inverse dome of sorts, to make it appear like a better fit, but that simply wasn't an option.

Black anodized aluminum fits nicely with most any design/color, I'm not worried about an exact color match, especially since I don't have access to/ cannot afford the polished aluminum they are using.

As far as weight goes, the enclosure I designed is rated for up to 30lbs, the new Pro will be nowhere near that weight. More likely around 20lbs since there are no heavy 3.5" drives. But like you stated, the thermal core may weigh more than expected.

@shenfrey I couldn't agree more about good riddance to CDs and DVDs, but Blu-Ray still has lots of life left, especially considering you can pick up 50GB BD-Rs for under a $3 a piece.

Still, it's a niche product, but that is what I wanted in the first place. Less competition, easier/less expensive to market.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

It's not going to happen, Apple doesn't particularly like blu-ray, and if you need to you can get an aftermarket drive which will take care of the few people that actually need one.

Adding support for Blu-ray in Mavericks would be nice, but I see the idea of a Blu-ray physical drive being, as some have said, zero. Apple, if they are going to have their users 'roll their own' as far as external storage, should not stand in the way of their choices for what kind of storage they want to use. I don't know if that will mean that Apple will have to make a tithing to the Blu-ray Disc Association, for Apple to support the technology or not in Mavericks, but more fully supporting it would at this point be a great idea...

 

[appleaddiction]

It's a nice fit though would there be any heat problems? The heat generated by both the Mac Pro and your blu ray player for very long hours as the Mac Pro sitting on top? I am not an expert, just a thought.

The new Mac Pro draws the air in from the vents near the bottom of the unit, so I'm pretty sure that area of the Mac Pro would stay pretty cool. The aluminum construction of the drive enclosure should also act as a large heatsink, dissipating any heat generated by the blu-ray drive itself.

 

[scottsjack]

There is no way. Apple won't play ball on this one. I've been dreaming about bluray in an iMac for many moons now...

No problem. I installed an OWC sourced one in a 2010 21.5 iMac for about $110.00 and an hour of torture.