Mac pro for me? Also how long will it last?

[mrronoah]

I want to get a Mac pro next year when they release the next gen. I currently have a pc and it's great but I absolutely hate windows 8 so I am going to switch. I have tried os x for a few days (aunts computer) and I like it. I will be doing email, watching movies, photoshop, any apps I like on the Mac app store. I will also be doing software engineering and 3d simulations and animations for uni. I want to get the high end one for next year (hopefully 16 core ) I know I don't need it but, why not? How long will it last me, if I do all of the things I mentioned above everyday. I will be on it for at least 5 hours a day everyday, probably more and I will have it on 24/7 except for the occasional reboot. I guess I could use the power sleep function or what ever it's called. Should I get the Mac pro or a pc for my purposes?

Anyway sorry for the long question, thanks in advance

 

[wallysb01]

This is a sort of cop-outs, but it will probably last as long as your needs stay the same or similar. With a Mac Pro, I'd guess it lasts most people at least 4-5 years.

 

[derbothaus]

No one knows for sure if we will even see a 16-core Mac Pro. They should be here now and yet they aren't. But a Mac Pro will last you a very long time. Wallysb01 timeline sounds about right above. It is well tested, top binned, server/ workstation parts made to be left on 24/7 if needed.

 

[snberk103]

First... there is no guarantee that there will be a Mac Pro next year. The announcement merely promised something for the pro users. Keep in mind that this means what Apple believes is suitable for the pros. I'm not actually that cynical, but I am also a realist.

Most Mac Pros are pretty long lived, I believe. They are the easiest systems to upgrade and repair, of course. That said... you should definitely consider getting the extended AppleCare. Any repairs on any Macs are usually pretty expensive. With AppleCare you will know for sure that the system will last for at least years minimum. It may be possible to use one of those credit cards that extend warranty to get a 4th year.

Luck.

 

[iSayuSay]

Don't get your hopes up too high on a mere statement from Cook's email. It wasn't a contract letter or anything. He could just forget and nothing you can do about it.

Pro customers. What pro customers? A few of Apple customer base who enjoy the macgasm towards 12core MacPro? I doubt it. Cook could come up with revamped MBP or iMac and call it prosumer machine next year. And by that time, MP could be another MBW episodes.

Just let go the hopes of Apple would build another pro-level workstation or even pay a little respect to it. Apple is not what it was 5 or 10 years ago. Not since the rise of iPhone.

 

[xchampx13]

I have had my Mac pro for about 3 years now no problems so far.

 

[chiefroastbeef]

I have had my Mac pro for about 3 years now no problems so far.

I too have had mine for almost three years. Kept it stock (besides adding hard drives), and love using it, looking at it..

I have recently upgraded the video card to a GTX 670, and will get an SSD as boot drive today. Also plan on upgrading the CPU to a six core 3.33. With all these upgrades, I will use it for another 3 years. Unless Mac pros grow on a tree in my backyard.

 

[bearcatrp]

Not sure how big your pc is but suggest you downgrade to Win7 and save your cash until apple makes up there mind on another mac pro. Unless your tethered to apple for certain apps, the pc has allot more options right now including the latest processors and gpus.

 

[ashman70]

First thing I would do if find out if its suitable for your uni courses, if they recommend a Mac then great, if not, then the decision is made for you. They will last as longa as you are happy with them and considering how upgradeable they are, I would suspect that should be at least 5 years, but mileage varies for everyone as our expectations are all different. I would wait until the there is a firm release date for the next model and then scoop up a pimped out 2010 model for cheap.

 

[Chrisg2014]

It can last forever, now that being said, when I say for ever I mean if you upgrade it. You can easily upgrade everything. Which is great!

 

[617arg]

I have an Early 2008 Mac Pro which I feel is still running strong. Updated to 18 GB of RAM and that's about it, besides repairing the graphics card once. Added a couple hard drive (not SSD) also. At the time it was the fastest machine out there for the price point, and I feel like it's still running strong and doing its job (running a virtual machine almost daily for AutoCAD among other things).

 

[ivoruest]

Its a pretty expensive machine for what you want to do with it. Still, it should last you for no less than 5 years, after that you may also upgrade CPU or GPUs. That is while Intel keeps using same sockets. Or compatibility is there.