Mac Pro Arrived! Pics Included

[gekko513]

arstechnica has a review up of the Mac Pro.

http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/macpro.ars/1

The reviewer didn't seem as enthused as some of us are. I of course still am and can't wait for my delivery date

I'd say they were pretty positive. The only cons were

- Default NVIDIA GeForce 7300GT video card
- Meager software bundle
- Enclosure is still very large and heavy
- Bluetooth only available as a BTO option

The GPU point is pathetic. The 7300 is perfect for many Mac Pro users. Meager software bundle isn't going to affect pro users who're going to load and use their pro software on it anyway. Enclosure is large and heavy... what do they expect with that kind of power and expandability? Bluetooth only BTO... so? Some will want it, some will not, why not make it BTO?

The cons are all points that would be appropriate on a consumer product, but on a pro machine bought for specific purposes they're all moot.

 

[Trekkie]

The cons are all points that would be appropriate on a consumer product, but on a pro machine bought for specific purposes they're all moot.

Exactly. That is one thing that always annoys me about their reviews. They get upset that there isn't default wireless/bluetooth in them when they fail to know where the target market for a workstation class machine is. If you look at IBM's IntelliStation products or HP's Workstations Bluetooth and Wireless are options.

Why?

Because usually the company buying these things is buying them for CAD/CAM, EDA, Trading, DIgital Content Creation, etc, and doesn't want wireless devices in their environment for either security or other concerns.

So putting something in there standard would cause them problems and undue headaches making them go elsewhere.

 

[Origin]

Yes, exactly. This is the problem with the integrated webcam in the MacBook Pro ... this device prevent many "sensible" users to use/buy MBP at/for their work

 

[wizz0bang]

I'd say they were pretty positive. The only cons were

- Default NVIDIA GeForce 7300GT video card
- Meager software bundle
- Enclosure is still very large and heavy
- Bluetooth only available as a BTO option

The GPU point is pathetic. The 7300 is perfect for many Mac Pro users. Meager software bundle isn't going to affect pro users who're going to load and use their pro software on it anyway. Enclosure is large and heavy... what do they expect with that kind of power and expandability? Bluetooth only BTO... so? Some will want it, some will not, why not make it BTO?

I agree. Apple's new method of offering one highly configurable base model is a step in the right direction. Why pay for Bluetooth, airport, high end video, more ram, etc. unless you want to use it... simply BTO what you need. The only downside is the added delay to shipping (for now). Apple's $2499 price is impressive and much lower than I predicted for a quad xeon.

Think about a company who orders ten machines for a dedicated purpose. They may only want the high end computing power, the 7300 is already overkill, bluetooth and airport would be wasted and add to the expense.

A negative I can quibble over are the limited video upgrade options (I'd like to see a high end gaming card from Nvidia as a BTO option). This can be addressed by Apple at any time in the future (and probably will). For most pro users, the three video offerings are good options for their needs. Only the serious gamers who want to dual boot into XP are left out (at present).

The positives are amazing (for Apple). You can configure your own MacPro to have many displays. Apple is using mostly high end PC parts and is competitive with Dell for pricing these parts. The case is innovative and attractive. I really like the HD mounting solution! It's about time they offer six drive bays (this has been fairly standard on PC towers since the 486). They planned ahead for BluRay/HD with the extra 5.25" drive slot.

I would like to see hardware RAID standard... maybe they will address this in the future too? (that makes two quibbles)

I'm still hoping Apple will offer a basic Conroe based tower with similar expansion options for <$1299... but most Apple analysts think I'm dreaming. This isn't a gripe, however, of the MacPro. If I could justify the price by having the need for it, I'd jump on a MacPro as is...

 

[devwild]

They review the mac pro as such because they are reviewing for a consumer audience - and because they and most folks in their target audience still want a flexable, expandable, consumer personal computer. Apple still refuses to provide that, so the reviewers work with what they've got. It's not worth complaining about either, if you don't agree with the reviewer, don't concern yourself with those points - everyone cares about different things (especially in the Apple crowd).

As a G5 owner though, I have to say, it's too early to be getting too review-heavy. It's over time when all the creaks and rattles and other flaws in the design of these workstations can really show themselves. I'm honestly not a fan of the G5 case, it's not truly pro level design - and I'm hoping the Mac Pro internal redesign is better (it looks better).

 

[tuartboy]

it makes me cry that they spent all that money on that system and there it's hooked up to such a tiny, pitiful monitor

oh no, that was just a spare.

Really, it's headless and just queued jobs from a workstation.

 

[paulvee]

quick question

Hi.

Maybe someone here knows the answer to this.

When I get my MacPro in the mail - hopefully in a week or two - and if I use Migration Assistant (yes, I have gotten lazy in these last few years) and IF I have FCP Studio UB installed on my current G5, will it work natively on the MacPro or did the installer for FCP only install the PowerPC version on the G5?

Sorry for my ignorance, but I need your wisdom.

Thanks in advance.

 

[elbirth]

oh no, that was just a spare.

Really, it's headless and just queued jobs from a workstation.

lol, yeah that's what I figured with it sitting out in the middle of the floor like that. It's just an odd sight to see such a high end machine on such a low end monitor

 

[Mr. Mister]

I'd say they were pretty positive. The only cons were

- Default NVIDIA GeForce 7300GT video card
- Meager software bundle
- Enclosure is still very large and heavy
- Bluetooth only available as a BTO option

The GPU point is pathetic. The 7300 is perfect for many Mac Pro users. Meager software bundle isn't going to affect pro users who're going to load and use their pro software on it anyway. Enclosure is large and heavy... what do they expect with that kind of power and expandability? Bluetooth only BTO... so? Some will want it, some will not, why not make it BTO?

The cons are all points that would be appropriate on a consumer product, but on a pro machine bought for specific purposes they're all moot.

Yeah, I agree it was pretty positive. Essentially they were saying "this computer has the POTENTIAL to do anything you want it to, but doesn't ship in the default configuration able to do such, you're gonna have to spend a little more money filling in that software, buying a new GPU, etc."

As for the heaviness, shut up Arstechnica, it's a dual-Xeon workstation, and the case itself is probably lighter than most, being made out of aluminum.

 

[iGary]

As for the heaviness, shut up Arstechnica, it's a dual-Xeon workstation, and the case itself is probably lighter than most, being made out of aluminum

You ever try and lug one across the mall to the Apple Store?

 

[the kid 05]

You ever try and lug one across the mall to the Apple Store?

don't they weight like 45-50 lbs?

 

[twoodcc]

don't they weight like 45-50 lbs?

i thought around 65, no?

 

[the kid 05]

i thought around 65, no?

when i get mine tommorow ill weight it, either way, time to cancle the gym pass, i got a new dumb bell

 

[bradc]

Yup! My old Dual 2.5ghz weighed 46lbs. My new MacPro that's coming-FedEx states as 65lbs-but on Apple's site it says around 48lbs.

 

[081440]

P.S. I was wondering how you open up the disk drives if there aren't any buttons on the case?

Your screen name saved you from a real bashing here...

When you get your new Mac Pro you will see that the keyboard has an eject button on the upper left corner above the number pad. You use this to open and close the drive or as you'll learn just drag your disk to the trash can (which will turn into an eject button on screen)




P.S. Anyone know the maximum temperature the new xeon have gotten to? It would be a funny comparison with the G5 chips!!

 

[Mr. Mister]

I think Apple should just have a little eject button next to the drives. They should make it look nifty.

 

[Anhaedra]

So... Was the Mac Pro able to use the Geforce 7900 in 3D games? What about other cards?

 

[macfan881]

looks good boy i would love to have one had to post cause there were 666 posts haha

 

[Multimedia]

I Love This Aluminum Case Design • I Am So Glad They Kept It

Yeah, I agree it was pretty positive. Essentially they were saying "this computer has the POTENTIAL to do anything you want it to, but doesn't ship in the default configuration able to do such, you're gonna have to spend a little more money filling in that software, buying a new GPU, etc."

As for the heaviness, shut up Arstechnica, it's a dual-Xeon workstation, and the case itself is probably lighter than most, being made out of aluminum.

I agree Mr. Mr. I am one who loves the G5 and Mc Pro case design and look. While it is heavy, it is very cool looking and is designed to keep everything inside extra cool due to its ability to recieve lots of ambient air. I know Adien likes to poo poo its lack of storage space inside. But I like it.

Love it so much I snagged a Dual Core 2GHz G5 PoewrMac yesterday at Fry's for only $864.26 Runnig zippy with only 512MB ram inside. Now Quad can be left alone to crush video faster than when I have to be on it for other stuff. Plus I can crush one thing here via GB ethernet connection to all the Quad's HDs. It's just like they're local over on the 2GHz Dual Core G5. Not ram intensive. So looks like i won't even have to add ram over here.

 

[quruli]

I agree Mr. Mr. I am one who loves the G5 and Mc Pro case design and look. While it is heavy, it is very cool looking and is designed to keep everything inside extra cool due to its ability to recieve lots of ambient air. I know Adien likes to poo poo its lack of storage space inside. But I like it.

Love it so much I snagged a Dual Core 2GHz G5 PoewrMac yesterday at Fry's for only $864.26

Yeah it's not like people are carrying the things around. Weight is a moot point in any tower. I don't remember the last time I didn't buy a desktop because it weighed too much.

 

[Liske]

G5 Value

The idea that G5's are "obsolete" for many years to come is patently absurd. The idea leaves me speechless. Or is that writerless?

What I said is soon they will become obsolete. If you own a G5, the stock is going down. All technology has a price curve and I am just saying the fact that they are non-intel based devalues them quicker. Go ahead and look for non-intel [g4/g5] portables and imacs on ebay - the market is not paying for them. People want intel. People invest in future, not past.

Switch now and not later. Today Quads sold on Ebay from $2675 - $3300 [do a search then check "completed listings" on the left nav] . You can practically make an even trade for a new machine. Why not do that now? 4 months from now you won't be able to get that price. Well anyhow that's my take, glad you find so much amusement in it. I won't be holding the bag.

 

[Gurutech]

I'd keep the Quad G5 only if I have any non universal binary program that's heavily slowed by running through Rosetta. (mainly Photoshop)

But it's for professional. If your job depends on it, it's more of investment than amusement, and you wouldn't switch that fast anyway.
And there will always be something batter coming out in next few months. I'd rather keep Quad G5 for atleast 2 yrs instead of going through all that hassels of selling and buying your 'tool'. Yes. It will become obsolete eventually (meaning speed issue > productivity).

And I believe many Mac Pro users would keep their machines for few years til they eventualy decide to upgrade again.
So.. Quad G5 vs Mac Pro argument is, to me, pretty pointless.
If you need upgrade, upgrade. If you don't, then use the current mac.
You DONT have to have the fastest machine ever all the time.

 

[Multimedia]

Quad G5 Is Not Obsolete For Many Years To Come • Certain Level Of Power Lasts Forever

What I said is soon they will become obsolete. If you own a G5, the stock is going down. All technology has a price curve and I am just saying the fact that they are non-intel based devalues them quicker. Go ahead and look for non-intel [g4/g5] portables and imacs on ebay - the market is not paying for them. People want intel. People invest in future, not past.

Switch now and not later. Today Quads sold on Ebay from $2675 - $3300 [do a search then check "completed listings" on the left nav] . You can practically make an even trade for a new machine. Why not do that now? 4 months from now you won't be able to get that price. Well anyhow that's my take, glad you find so much amusement in it. I won't be holding the bag.

I know what you mean. I don't think I agree though. Quad G5 Is Not Obsolete For Many Years To Come because at a Certain Level Of Power there are many tasks that can't really be done faster no matter what is possible so in that sense Quad G5's will Last Forever.

But I do think $2675-$3300 for a G5 Quad NOW is spending way too much money. I paid that in February including + 4MB ram. I completely agree with you that much money should go toward a Mac Pro. But I'm delighted I got a 2GHz Dual Core G5 yesterday for $864.26 at Fry's. It's running great with only 512MB of RAM and I'm even crushing video via Internet to my source docs on the Quad. Perfect stopgap 'til the dual Clovertown's ship this Winter. It also runs dead silent like the Quad.

 

[Gurutech]

I know what you mean. I don't think I agree though. Quad G5 Is Not Obsolete For Many Years To Come because at a Certain Level Of Power there are many tasks that can't really be done faster no matter what is possible so in that sense Quad G5's will Last Forever.

But I think $2675-$3300 for a G5 Quad NOW is spending way too much money. I paid that in February including + 4MB ram. I completely agree with you that much money should go toward a Mac Pro. But I'm delighted I got a 2GHz Dual Core G5 yesterday for $864.26 at Fry's. It's running great with only 512MB of RAM and I'm even crushing video via Internet to my source docs on the Quad. Perfect stopgap 'til the dual Clovertown's ship this Winter. It also runs dead silent like the Quad.

Well.. from your sig..
You already have Quad. Why do you need 2 Ghz Dual Core G5 as stopgap ? I'd say more of convenience. I don't see Quad+ Dual G5 = Clovertown whatever.
just curious.
And I totally disagree with "last forever" claim though.
People don't buy Quad G5 just to surf the internet, check email, and chat and such.
Computer doesn't last forever. Perhaps their physical existance, but not their productivity.
I believe that top of the line products meant for top of the line professionals have the effective life span of 3~4 years at most .

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

Since you already own a Quad... Why did you not just just put that $800+ towards a new Mac Pro?!

I don't get it...

Rich.