New Mac Pro & Cinema Displays coming soon

[stephenc92]

http://digg.com/apple/New_Mac_Pro_Cinema_Display_lineup_coming_soon

"A new lineup of Mac Pros and Apple Cinema Displays are arriving in Q1 2008 and will be announced in Macworld 2008. As far as we know, the Mac Pros will be housed in the same aluminum casing, but the baseline processor speeds, RAM and hard drives are to be improved. Also, all models will be 8 (2×4) core Xeons..."

[rockinrocker]

not until '08? :mad:

do these guys have a good track record with rumors?

[rockinrocker]

i got all excited when i saw "coming soon" maybe it should be changed to "not coming soon".

[stephenc92]

not until '08? :mad:

do these guys have a good track record with rumors?

I think my sources are reliable :)

[chaosbunny]

I hope this is not true, I mean the 2008 part. This would mean a lot of "negative vibrations" here.

[stephenc92]

i got all excited when i saw "coming soon" maybe it should be changed to "not coming soon".

2008 isn't that far away.

[Peace]

I think my sources are reliable :)

your sources?

"2 x 3.0GHz Quad Core Xeon

2GB FB-DIMM RAM (Up to 32GB)

500GB Hard drive (Up to 2TB per bay)

NVIDIA GeForce 8600GTS with 640MB or NVIDIA Quadro NVS 440

SuperDrive (Option for Blu-ray)

It is expected to be on sale after the Macworld 2008 event for ~$2000."

$2000 for that? LOL..

Good luck buying that set-up for less than $3000

That same configuration sells for $4600 now.

[vendettabass]

those cinema displays sound HOT! LED :D

[davem7]

I hope this is not true, I mean the 2008 part. This would mean a lot of "negative vibrations" here.

Tell me about it. I've been waiting quite a long time for the Mac Pro updates now, and this is getting pretty ridiculous. And all that waiting just for an 8600GTS? That's pathetic. I sure hope this is wrong.

[stephenc92]

i got all excited when i saw "coming soon" maybe it should be changed to "not coming soon".

I hope this is not true, I mean the 2008 part. This would mean a lot of "negative vibrations" here.

Check this out, just been updated (http://macslice.com/2007/09/20/new-mac-pro-lineup-coming-soon/): Update: According to the same source, this update may happen earlier than 2008 in another special event.

[TheAnswer]

2008 isn't that far away.

Well...at least this "rumors" site you've linked to is responsive to public opinion.

Originally posted by lame fake rumors site (possibly OP's?):

Update: According to the same source, this update may happen earlier than 2008.

[plumbingandtech]

those cinema displays sound HOT! LED :D

ANyone know if LED screens give off more or less heat from them?

My 24" LCD gives off lots and my friends apple 30" gives off LOTS.

thanks.

[stephenc92]

Tell me about it. I've been waiting quite a long time for the Mac Pro updates now, and this is getting pretty ridiculous. And all that waiting just for an 8600GTS? That's pathetic. I sure hope this is wrong.

8600GTS is a good card xD. What were you expecting? 3 Petabytes for $100?

[stephenc92]

ANyone know if LED screens give off more or less heat from them?

My 24" LCD gives off lots and my friends apple 30" gives off LOTS.

thanks.

LEDs use a lot less power and give off less heat.

[plumbingandtech]

LEDs use a lot less power and give off less heat.

Thanks!

A 32" (or whatever size apple ships after the 30") sounds like my dream monitor.

[Pressure]

It's obviously fake.

There will be some time before we see 2TB hard drives, let alone a Geforce 8600GTS with 640MB ram... :p

[suneohair]

I question the 32". There any panel at the moment (that I know of) that offer as high a res as the current 30". Meaning the 32" would be more of a TV. I will see if I can find high res 32" panels.

I also doubt the whole. You say reliable sources, but the hardware config and price is ridiculously off. We will see though.

[Squonk]

Sounds good to me. I suspect there will be an option below the 3GB Octo machine though....

[JesterJJZ]

I hope the ACDs have more inputs.

[Squonk]

I hope the ACDs have more inputs.

That would be nice. But I doubt that Apple will do this. I suppose the :apple: logic is that one machine does it all (Mac OS and M$ OS). Yes, this does not account for DVR or gaming boxes...

[davem7]

8600GTS is a good card xD. What were you expecting? 3 Petabytes for $100?

I'm ignoring your petabyte comment, but whatever. Do you mean 8800GTS? Because, thinking about it, Nvidia don't make an 8600GTS with 640MB RAM. This needs some clarification.

Edit: Deleted part of this comment whilst I check some stats out.

[aaronw1986]

"Update: According to the same source, this update may happen earlier than 2008"


This came from the linked page.

[appledog]

Waiting for Apple the past couple years has been painful.

1Q 2008 for Mac Pro is ridiculous

[Umbongo]

2 x 3.0GHz Quad Core Xeon

So 2 $1000 (@1600MHz, $850 @ 1333MHz FSB) processors in a $2000 computer? Pull the other one. 3GHz as base also only offers a 3.2Ghz upgrade. Not in Apple's style.

2GB FB-DIMM RAM (Up to 32GB)
Doesn't take rocket science or a crystal ball to get this one right.

500GB Hard drive (Up to 2TB per bay)
500GB is too big for a standard drive, Apple can make profit from the upgrade to it from 320GB. 2 TB per bay? Show me anything that indicates 2TB drives by next year.


NVIDIA GeForce 8600GTS with 640MB or NVIDIA Quadro NVS 440
No chance. 440 supports a maximum of 1920x1200 and the 8600GTS doesn't have 640MB of memory, nor is it a suitable base card or high end consumer card for the Mac Pro.

Nonsense rumours, at least go for something based on realism.

[rockinrocker]

whew, glad this one's sounding like BS.

still hoping for MP upgrade along with 10.5.

[netdog]

The rumour at digg.com in the original post is actually from MacSlice.com

What do you guys think of this part the MacSlice prediction?

The new Apple Cinema Displays will include a built in iSight camera (1.3MP), along with a thinner case design that is styled similarly to the iMac (Smoother brushed aluminum, thinner and a black Apple logo). The 20 inch model will be removed and new 24 inch, 30 inch and 32 inch models will arrive - all LED backlit. These new displays will contain no mercury, and be “eco-friendly”as part of Apple’s new campaign to be “green”.

30" and 32" LEDs? Maybe after MacWorld 2009.

[jerrah]

I'm yet to see a 32" panel that is anywhere near the resolution of the 30".

[Umbongo]

The rumour at digg.com in the original post is actually from MacSlice.com

What do you guys think of this part the MacSlice prediction?

The new Apple Cinema Displays will include a built in iSight camera (1.3MP), along with a thinner case design that is styled similarly to the iMac (Smoother brushed aluminum, thinner and a black Apple logo). The 20 inch model will be removed and new 24 inch, 30 inch and 32 inch models will arrive - all LED backlit. These new displays will contain no mercury, and be “eco-friendly”as part of Apple’s new campaign to be “green”.

30" and 32" LEDs? Maybe after MacWorld 2009.

I'm of the belief that the threadstarter posted it to digg (which is obvious after checking usernames) and that macslice.com is his website.

As far as LED sceens, I was under the impression that they are still too expensive for such a thing.

[netdog]

I'm of the belief that the threadstarter posted it to digg (which is obvious after checking usernames) and that macslice.com is his website.

As far as LED sceens, I was under the impression that they are still too expensive for such a thing.

So expensive, in fact, that we still don't have one in the MBP 17"

[stephenc92]

I'm of the belief that the threadstarter posted it to digg (which is obvious after checking usernames) and that macslice.com is his website.

As far as LED sceens, I was under the impression that they are still too expensive for such a thing.

I never said it wasn't me that posted it to digg. :cool:

[darthraige]

Yea, I highly believe a new MacPro will arrive with Leopard. Apple can talk about the stupid laptops at MacWorld.

[stephenc92]

Yea, I highly believe a new MacPro will arrive with Leopard. Apple can talk about the stupid laptops at MacWorld.

Laptops aren't stupid :mad:

[darthraige]

Laptops aren't stupid :mad:

No, they aren't. I just bought a MacBook. Thing is awesome. lol

[darthraige]

Also, Apple has had like 2 events every months so far since August. November sounds good to me for another event or 2.

[netdog]

Given that there were various OEMs (Dell, HP, etc. from what I gather) that were showing Penryn systems at the Intel dog and pony show on the 18th, I wouldn't be surprised if Steve rolled out a Mac Pro Penryn (Apple-style homebrew, perhaps, but will look like the stuff to us) and show what Leopard and 8-cores can do before giving us a ship date for Leopard and the MP....and Apple.com is taking orders now!

If not, he has to do something similar in October.

But still, what is he going to do at Mac Expo on the 25th? I find it unlikely that he has gone home, and the iPhone stuff is already done and displayed in Europe, including today in France.

[SDAVE]

Given that there were various OEMs (Dell, HP, etc. from what I gather) that were showing Penryn systems at the Intel dog and pony show on the 18th, I wouldn't be surprised if Steve rolled out a Mac Pro Penryn (Apple-style homebrew, perhaps, but will look like the stuff to us) and show what Leopard and 8-cores can do before giving us a ship date for Leopard and the MP....and Apple.com is taking orders now!


Going to the newer CPU's is not that much of a significant change. So uh what can Leopard do on the Penyrn line that the current octo can't do? Cook food?

[Halord]

Going to the newer CPU's is not that much of a significant change. So uh what can Leopard do on the Penyrn line that the current octo can't do? Cook food?

You haven't lived until you've tried a Penryn club sandwich.

The harpertown hot dog got hyped up a lot, but people complained about a yellow tint on the bun.

:p

[Umbongo]

But still, what is he going to do at Mac Expo on the 25th? I find it unlikely that he has gone home, and the iPhone stuff is already done and displayed in Europe, including today in France.

Nothing maybe. There is no guarantee of a keynote still right?

[netdog]

Going to the newer CPU's is not that much of a significant change. So uh what can Leopard do on the Penyrn line that the current octo can't do? Cook food?

Not from the benchmarks that I have seen. Also, the bump up is going to be OctoCore at all three levels according to most pundits. That's quite a difference as an Octo costs you a LOT more than the 2.66 quad right now.

[ddarko]

I could see new displays in January 2008 but they won't be LED simply because LED panels of that size do not exist yet. No one makes them. The largest LED panel that exists so far is 22". Keep in mind that Apple only promised to eliminate the use of arsenic from its displays by the end of 2008. For mercury, which is used in fluorescent lamps and can only be eliminated by switching to LED, Apple didn't provide a deadline but only said "when technically and economically feasible." That's because Apple knows LED panels in the desktop sizes are still a long way off. We'll have fluorescent ACD for a long, long time to come.

[bld44]

I find the monitors to be the biggest giveaway for this rumor.

No 20", 24" introduced, 30" and a 32". There's hardly a difference between the 30" and 32", and they eliminated the smallest (and cheapest) monitor they sell. Not everyone is in the market for a $1,900 display! And then I'm not even gonna start with the LED backlighting problems.

Blu-ray superdrive sounds awesome. I'd get my hands on one of those.

[SDAVE]

Not from the benchmarks that I have seen. Also, the bump up is going to be OctoCore at all three levels according to most pundits. That's quite a difference as an Octo costs you a LOT more than the 2.66 quad right now.

Of course, the 45nm Octo will beat a regular Quad. But the speed difference will not be that huge when you compare current 3.0Ghz 8 Core vs the newer 8 Core.

People act like there is going to be the same speed change as we've seen going from a Pentium I to a Pentium 4. It's not. Only the FSB has been upgraded, the chips made smaller and more power efficient, and of course direct memory integration between cores (like AMD does).

Unless the Penryn line makes me a club sandwich, I won't be buying into the hype.

[ddarko]

Of course, the 45nm Octo will beat a regular Quad. But the speed difference will not be that huge when you compare current 3.0Ghz 8 Core vs the newer 8 Core.

People act like there is going to be the same speed change as we've seen going from a Pentium I to a Pentium 4. It's not. Only the FSB has been upgraded, the chips made smaller and more power efficient, and of course direct memory integration between cores (like AMD does).

Unless the Penryn line makes me a club sandwich, I won't be buying into the hype.

You're mixing up your Intel processor lines. The on-chip memory controller and direct connection won't be introduced until Nehalem, which won't be launched until 2Q 2008. Penryn is largely a die shrink to 45nm of the current 65nm Core2/Xeon processor and the server version of Penryn will launch in less than two months on November 12. You're right that Penryn continues to use a FSB but it does NOT have a integrated memory controller like AMD's chips. That's for Nehalem next year.

This is another reason why this rumor shouldn't be believed; there's no reason for Apple to wait until January 2008 to update the Mac Pro lineup because the server Penryn chips that are used in the Mac Pros will be available in November 2007 and Apple has been very aggressive in using the latest Xeon chips in the Mac Pros, often getting the fastest chip BEFORE other companies. First quarter 2008 is when the mainstream Penryn desktop chips will be introduced but Apple doesn't use the Intel desktop chips in any of its Mac lines - the iMac is based on the notebook Core2 chip, not the desktop Core2 - so there's no reason why Apple would time a product refresh to the introduction of a line of chips that it doesn't use.

[netdog]

Unless the Penryn line makes me a club sandwich, I won't be buying into the hype.

Given that you already have an OctoCore, why am I not surprised? :)

[SDAVE]

You're mixing up your Intel processor lines. The on-chip memory controller and direct connection won't be introduced until Nehalem, which won't be launched until 2Q 2008. Penryn is largely a die shrink to 45nm of the current 65nm Core2/Xeon processor and the server version of Penryn will launch in less than two months on November 12. You're right that Penryn continues to use a FSB but it does NOT have a integrated memory controller like AMD's chips. That's for Nehalem next year.


Alright then, the Penyrn won't even have that much of a difference from the current Octo line then. Worse for the "waiters", unless Apple gives a "freebie". More ram at base model and the drop of 2.0Ghz Dual Cores and of course a much anticipated graphics card.

Given that you already have an OctoCore, why am I not surprised? :)

Of course. The Nehalem line sounds promising. I'll probably sell my Mac Pro (which has already made me enough money) and get a 16core when it's out :D

[Multimedia]

2008 isn't that far away.4 months seems a lot longer than 2 months but in the big picture, I agree.

I hope this is one wrong prediction.

[docprego]

Fake, Fake, Fake. There is no way the Cinema Displays will all be LED backlit on the next revision, The cost is excessive. Besides that they would most certainly have upgraded the 17" Macbook pro to LED by now if that was the case. Because the monitor information is obviously wrong the rest of the Pro rumor has little credibility.

[Wild-Bill]

Well, if they really were planning on offering just an 8600GTS and a Quatro, then that would be proof POSITIVE that no one at Apple is or has been reading the Mac Pro feedback submissions.

Offering just those two cards would be a slap in the face to many. Thankfully there is no 8600GTS 640 meg, and that many people have pointed out that this is most likely a fake posting.

[irishgrizzly]

I say no to a '08 release — I can't imagine Apple going a whole year without a revision of there pro line, as it would send out all the wrong signals i.e. not a serious pro contender

[maberga29]

...This is another reason why this rumor shouldn't be believed; there's no reason for Apple to wait until January 2008 to update the Mac Pro lineup because the server Penryn chips that are used in the Mac Pros will be available in November 2007 and Apple has been very aggressive in using the latest Xeon chips in the Mac Pros, often getting the fastest chip BEFORE other companies. ...

I am in complete agreement. There's no benefit to Apple by waiting until '08. As for the 32" LCDs and 2TB/bay HD... clearly written by someone with quite a vivid imagination... but with a sense of practicality on par with your average rock.

[Jade Cambell]

I say no to a '08 release — I can't imagine Apple going a whole year without a revision of there pro line, as it would send out all the wrong signals i.e. not a serious pro contender

They have already gone over 13 months without an update...

[darthraige]

Let's just all wait patiently in the month of October. If no update or high rumor of a MacPro by the release of Leopard... We storm Apples headquarters. lol

[irishgrizzly]

They have already gone over 13 months without an update...

I know, I was more thinking of the psychological aspect of not updating during a whole calendar year.

[Rube]

The Blu Ray drive option is what I want to see. An ability to write 25-50GB to a disc is very appealing to me not to mention watching a few movies in HD.

I hope it has an HDMI output so I can hook it straight to my HDTV and get 1080p resolution.

[Cupertino Time]

People who don't think a Mac Pro refresh can be pushed to Macworld are delusional. The Pro is the best thing Apple will have to showcase in the next 4 months, and the impact of the SteveNotes has a huge effect on the company stock, etc. A santa rosa Macbook update isn't going to bring down the house at Moscone.

I've been waiting for the Pro for about 10 months now, so I want it as badly as anyone. But desperation is clearly clouding judgement in these threads.

Ask yourself: How often does apple delay products slightly to debut at Macworld?

Versus: How often does apple release a product to coincide with the debut of new hardware on the market?

The year+ long delay is awful, I know. But anyone expecting Pro's shipping in November has not paid attention to the history of Mac updates.

[synth3tik]

The report comes from Macslice.com. I have not hear of this site before. I am trying to check out the full story, but they must have a very small bandwidth.

I love my Mac Pro, but if something really cool came around that would be great. I have started to feel like Apple has forgotten that they also make high end Pro computers.

[Wild-Bill]

I have started to feel like Apple has forgotten that they also make high end Pro computers.

You are not alone, my friend. Sad truth is, they have. They've shifted their focus away from the hardware and the OS and turned it toward consumer gadgets.

If they wait until January to update the Mac Pro I will not be buying one. That is entirely too long to wait for an update. That would mean that the Mac Pro would lie dormant, virtually untouched, for nearly eighteen months. And the video cards will be pushing 2.5 years old. Unacceptable, Steve. Unacceptable.

[MikeL]

If they wait until January to update the Mac Pro I will not be buying one.

Because you won't be able to complain for another twelve months? Or because they'll finally offer what you claim to want?

[Octobot]

IMO its a good way to get his website Macslice.com a lot of exposure.. so I think this is just Marketing tripe.

[statikcat]

You are not alone, my friend. Sad truth is, they have. They've shifted their focus away from the hardware and the OS and turned it toward consumer gadgets.

If they wait until January to update the Mac Pro I will not be buying one. That is entirely too long to wait for an update. That would mean that the Mac Pro would lie dormant, virtually untouched, for nearly eighteen months. And the video cards will be pushing 2.5 years old. Unacceptable, Steve. Unacceptable.


Yeah I agree. I will either try and get a good deal on a used 2.66 soon or put together a pc for now. My Dual g5 is falling apart and very slow. If they do wait until January it would be nice to have a price cut the next few months or some upgrade components so you get more for your money. The above poster has a point though.. if they release new Mac Pro in Sept/Oct then what will they show at Mac World? Although is the Mac Pro even a big deal for Mac World since Apple is letting it slip like this? It just kind of hurts confidence in some of the Apple user base. Like it or not the parts of an Intel Mac Pro can be added up very easily and compared to the cost of a Mac Pro and compared to other Pcs. You couldn't do this with PPC Macs.. now you can with Intel so Apple needs to get their **** together :)

[uNext]

I really don't understand why anybody would justify a macpro purchase by saying their g5's are falling apart.

Last i checked apples build quality is awesome
sounds more like negligence on the end users part.
i HAVE A DELL INSPIRON 8200 back from 2001 that is still running and kicking so i really dont get why a lot of pro users always say the same thing "my g5 is breaking falling is slow"
right when they want to upgrade?

Apples build quality on g5's must have been horrific.

[Umbongo]

People who don't think a Mac Pro refresh can be pushed to Macworld are delusional. The Pro is the best thing Apple will have to showcase in the next 4 months, and the impact of the SteveNotes has a huge effect on the company stock, etc. A santa rosa Macbook update isn't going to bring down the house at Moscone.

I've been waiting for the Pro for about 10 months now, so I want it as badly as anyone. But desperation is clearly clouding judgement in these threads.

Ask yourself: How often does apple delay products slightly to debut at Macworld?

Versus: How often does apple release a product to coincide with the debut of new hardware on the market?

The year+ long delay is awful, I know. But anyone expecting Pro's shipping in November has not paid attention to the history of Mac updates.

I have to disagree (I think we clashed on here before over pros at macworld). While it's a possibility of course, it's Apple afterall, I think far more things point towards an earlier release. When you take in to account that macworld is now a consumer event and that Mac Pros don't need to be marketed in the same way as consumer devices, nor do they sell in the same volume as notebooks, or gadgets, it doesn't seem the right time for holding off a product for a big announcement. I know history is one of the big things we can use for predictions, but since the move to Intel it hasn't exactly been a great source.

[darthraige]

If Leopard is going to be a lot faster than Tiger, I am sure that Apple will want to show it off at it's fullest on a new MacPro. The new MacPro would probably be the fastest machine to demo it, right? Everyone has been speculating that the Paris Expo was going to have the announcement of new iPods and the iPhone international launch.

All of those items have been pushed up with "special events." Wouldn't that be a sign that things are good to go for an early October release of Leopard with a new MacPro? Maybe Apple has been moving things up because of an early chip request. My guess would be, that if an "Expo" is a really big event, then I could see them demoing Leopard one last time, on a new MacPro, all shipping first or second week in October.

:D

[irishgrizzly]

If Leopard is going to be a lot faster than Tiger, I am sure that Apple will want to show it off at it's fullest on a new MacPro. The new MacPro would probably be the fastest machine to demo it, right? Everyone has been speculating that the Paris Expo was going to have the announcement of new iPods and the iPhone international launch.

All of those items have been pushed up with "special events." Wouldn't that be a sign that things are good to go for an early October release of Leopard with a new MacPro? Maybe Apple has been moving things up because of an early chip request. My guess would be, that if an "Expo" is a really big event, then I could see them demoing Leopard one last time, on a new MacPro, all shipping first or second week in October.

:D

The Mac Pro is going to phased out and Discontinued by early 08. That way apple can concentrate on the exciting new ring tone market. :p

A new Mac Pro with Leopard in 3 weeks would be amazing!

[ziwi]

All of those items have been pushed up with "special events." Wouldn't that be a sign that things are good to go for an early October release of Leopard with a new MacPro? Maybe Apple has been moving things up because of an early chip request. My guess would be, that if an "Expo" is a really big event, then I could see them demoing Leopard one last time, on a new MacPro, all shipping first or second week in October.

:D
No. The latest news on Leopard was another build - not a gold master so I would estimate at least 1 month from Gold Master to delivery - at that rate they may decide to delay again. October is quickly becoming impossible as it is now September 21st and no gold master.

Basically, why would they not wait until the January Show at this point forthe Pro? IFthe best date is mid November and this is not what folks would call a consumer machine and therefore a holiday shopping list item for the majority, then why not delay? I want one real bad, but because I do Ibelieve now in the worst case scenario of 2008.

[irishgrizzly]

I really don't understand why anybody would justify a macpro purchase by saying their g5's are falling apart.

Last i checked apples build quality is awesome
sounds more like negligence on the end users part.
i HAVE A DELL INSPIRON 8200 back from 2001 that is still running and kicking so i really dont get why a lot of pro users always say the same thing "my g5 is breaking falling is slow"
right when they want to upgrade?

Apples build quality on g5's must have been horrific.

I think lots peoples definition of "falling apart" is probably a couple of scratches on the case.

[darthraige]

Basically, why would they not wait until the January Show at this point forthe Pro? IFthe best date is mid November and this is not what folks would call a consumer machine and therefore a holiday shopping list item for the majority, then why not delay? I want one real bad, but because I do Ibelieve now in the worst case scenario of 2008.

I need one by the end of November. It's foolish to buy one now when the speed will pretty much double for the same price. So I guess I just have to wait until November. If nothing, then I'll be forced to by an old POS.

[netdog]

I need one by the end of November. It's foolish to buy one now when the speed will pretty much double for the same price. So I guess I just have to wait until November. If nothing, then I'll be forced to by an old POS.

What I am hearing is 10-20%.

[Spikeanator6982]

No. The latest news on Leopard was another build - not a gold master so I would estimate at least 1 month from Gold Master to delivery - at that rate they may decide to delay again. October is quickly becoming impossible as it is now September 21st and no gold master.

Basically, why would they not wait until the January Show at this point forthe Pro? IFthe best date is mid November and this is not what folks would call a consumer machine and therefore a holiday shopping list item for the majority, then why not delay? I want one real bad, but because I do Ibelieve now in the worst case scenario of 2008.

could not have leopard gone gold master already? wiht the latest build being 10.5.1?

and..the reason for NOT waiting till next year is not holiday shoppers..but businesses that want to claim a new computer or two on THIS years taxes, without buying a computer with technology/prices over a year old.

[oceanzen]

What I am hearing is 10-20%.

Yeah but think about it. If they go to all 8 core line, then you will get an 8 core for the price of a 4 core.

[FF_productions]

You are not alone, my friend. Sad truth is, they have. They've shifted their focus away from the hardware and the OS and turned it toward consumer gadgets.

If they wait until January to update the Mac Pro I will not be buying one. That is entirely too long to wait for an update. That would mean that the Mac Pro would lie dormant, virtually untouched, for nearly eighteen months. And the video cards will be pushing 2.5 years old. Unacceptable, Steve. Unacceptable.


I understand where you're coming from with the Mac Pro delay.

I wouldn't say they've shifted their focus from the hardware and the OS. Yes, Leopard was delayed because of iPhone, but that is one of the rare incidents you will find.

Apple pushes to sell MacBooks and MacBook Pros. They are the most popular models, it makes the most money for them.

You can basically say they have shifted towards portable devices, which includes the apple laptops, iPods, iPhones, etc.

HENCE, the switch to Intel. Apple couldn't get a G5 in a portable, so they knew they were stuck in a ****** position, they knew their back up option was to go Intel and use their dual-core chips. The G4 couldn't keep up to the faster chips out there.

To conclude my long post, I see no reason for a Mac Pro update at MacWorld. MacWorld is for consumer products. The Mac Pro is not a big deal to the majority of people. People want to see new portables, cool new devices from Apple.

[darthraige]

To conclude my long post, I see no reason for a Mac Pro update at MacWorld. MacWorld is for consumer products. The Mac Pro is not a big deal to the majority of people. People want to see new portables, cool new devices from Apple.

Right, so a silent update would be fine with me for the MacPro or a special event type thing. Give the Expos to the consumers. All I want is a new MacPro revision by the time Leopard comes out.

[FF_productions]

Right, so a silent update would be fine with me for the MacPro or a special event type thing. Give the Expos to the consumers. All I want is a new MacPro revision by the time Leopard comes out.

I think we will a Mac Pro update before Leopard comes out.

[docprego]

I think we will a Mac Pro update before Leopard comes out.

I don't think so. Why put all that work into a machine to run an OS that will be replaced in a matter of weeks? It only makes sense for Apple to ship a new Mac Pro either with Leopard or after it.

[dollystereo]

The new Line will sport:
BASE MODEL:

1 Quad Core 3.0GHZ Penryn (750USD for the 2x quad 3.0 Penryn, or maybe a 3.2 or 3.something)
FSB 1.66GHZ (Penryn Bus)
2GB Ram (i suppose ECC FB-dim, maybe DDR3 hope not)
320GB HD (they can get and extra 50USD from you to upgrade =)
Radeon HD2600 Pro 256MB (Maybe BTO HD2900)
Maybe eSata Port and Wireless N included.
Same tower
$2499 USD

[Spikeanator6982]

I don't think so. Why put all that work into a machine to run an OS that will be replaced in a matter of weeks? It only makes sense for Apple to ship a new Mac Pro either with Leopard or after it.

but..you must consider not all pro apps may be able to run on 10.5 right away..so the new purchaser of a mac pro would have to get tiger to use their pro apps.

[darthraige]

The new Line will sport:
BASE MODEL:

1 Quad Core 3.0GHZ Penryn (750USD for the 2x quad 3.0 Penryn, or maybe a 3.2 or 3.something)
FSB 1.66GHZ (Penryn Bus)
2GB Ram (i suppose ECC FB-dim, maybe DDR3 hope not)
320GB HD (they can get and extra 50USD from you to upgrade =)
Radeon HD2600 Pro 256MB (Maybe BTO HD2900)
Maybe eSata Port and Wireless N included.
Same tower
$2499 USD

Yea it won't. All 8-Core to keep the "Pro" name.

[JesterJJZ]

I don't think so. Why put all that work into a machine to run an OS that will be replaced in a matter of weeks? It only makes sense for Apple to ship a new Mac Pro either with Leopard or after it.

The first batch of G5's came with Panther...

[Eidorian]

The first batch of G5's came with Panther...I believe it was a special build of 10.2.7.

[dollystereo]

I think the current FCS 2, is Leopard Ready. We may see a little update.
There is no way the Mac pro line get all 8 core. Its way to expensive.
The 8-core is going to be BTO. (With Penryn of Course)
FCS 1 runs in Panther, and Tiger. FS2 will run on tiger and Leopard.

FCS 1:
Minimum Software Requirements

Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
QuickTime 7.0 or later

FCS2:

Mac OS X v10.4.9 or later
QuickTime 7.1.6 or later

[MacsAttack]

I think we will a Mac Pro update before Leopard comes out.

No way. Apple have their plate full as it is. Going by the way they have operated for the last few years...

Sept - New IPods
Oct - Leopard launch
Nov - iPhone launch in Europe
Dec - Rake in all the cash from sales for the hols season
Jan - Feb Upate some products that people just bought stacks of for christmass (16Gb iPhone, 2Gb shuffle - remember how they added the colors just after Christmas last time so all the parents had to buy their kids yet another Shuffle?) and toss in some new non-Mac US-centric items at "MacWorld" - the event with no Macs and nothing for the rest of the world :p

Apple may update the Mac Pro in Novemeber, but my guess it they will save it for Jan.

Thankfully I got my Mac Pro last year, and it has been a great machine. Meanwhile others have writhed and twitched like brain-dead monkeys waiting for "the next version" :p Everyone knows that the next real boost in performance will come when Intel integrates the memory controler into the CPU - which is on their road map for around 2009-2010. Sould be around the time I next upgrade :D . And I just know the same people who are waiting will still be waiting...

Twitch monkey-boys! Twitch!

[absolution]

Thankfully I got my Mac Pro last year, and it has been a great machine. Meanwhile others have writhed and twitched like brain-dead monkeys waiting for "the next version" :p Everyone knows that the next real boost in performance will come when Intel integrates the memory controler into the CPU - which is on their road map for around 2009-2010. Sould be around the time I next upgrade :D . And I just know the same people who are waiting will still be waiting...

Twitch monkey-boys! Twitch!

That was <Twitch!> just <Twitch!> cruel.

[Inlakech]

I was just searching for actual Cinebench results to try to compare the fastest Xeons with upcoming Harpertowns.

21117 Points on a Win64 8-core 3GHz machine isn't too bad, when an 8-Core Harpertown System "just" gets a score around
22200.

http://www.3dfluff.com/mash/cinebench/top.php

As I mostly need the 8-cores for 3D rendering and some compositing and I'm doing 66&#37; of my work in Photoshop, I'm really thinking about pulling the trigger now. I could wait some more time, but would be pretty upset if Apple waits until January. New Cinemas with built in Isight are another reason to wait.

But why I should wait for something thats probably just 5% faster in the most CPU intensive discipline that im going to use it in ?

Have I mixed something up about the benchmarks ? Can anyone confirm my thoughts ?

[Umbongo]

There is no way the Mac pro line get all 8 core. Its way to expensive.
The 8-core is going to be BTO. (With Penryn of Course)


No it isn't.

2.66GHz x2 Woodcrest = $690
2.83Ghz x4 Harpertown = $690
2.80GHz x4 Harpertown (1600MHz) = $797

Not that Apple pay those prices anyway. With other component costs comming down we could see two of either of the latter processors. Other vendors may not be offering 8 core systems for $2499, but any Mac Pro buyer should be expecting it from Apple.

No way. Apple have their plate full as it is. Going by the way they have operated for the last few years...

Apple may update the Mac Pro in Novemeber, but my guess it they will save it for Jan.


Those are marketing reasons, Apple don't need to market the Mac Pro in the same way as notebooks and gadgets. Even if it doesn't come when people are expecting it I wouldn't expect anything other than five minutes coverage if it were then to be announced at macworld.

[Pressure]

which is on their road map for around 2009-2010.


Nehalem is due second half of 2008, next year ;)

[JesterJJZ]

I believe it was a special build of 10.2.7.

Yeah but still 10.2 none the less... New MacPros could have a "special" build of Tiger.

[Topper]

Nehalem is due second half of 2008, next year ;)

The Nehalem Mac Pros are going to make the next generation (Harpertown) Mac Pro owners envious.
Then we will buy Westmere 32nm Mac Pros and make them jealous.
Then they will get Gesher Mac Pros and laugh at us.
It's a never ending process.

[Multimedia]

There is no way the Mac pro line get all 8 core. Its way to expensive.
The 8-core is going to be BTO. (With Penryn of Course)There is every way they will all be 8 core. Intel has priced Harpertowns the same or less than their comparable Woodcrests. There is no way they will not be all 8 core. :rolleyes:

[JesterJJZ]

The Nehalem Mac Pros are going to make the next generation (Harpertown) Mac Pro owners envious.
Then we will buy Westmere 32nm Mac Pros and make them jealous.
Then they will get Gesher Mac Pros and laugh at us.
It's a never ending process.

I just get the fastest thing available when I need to upgrade. That way I get the most out of it. Still going strong on my G5 2.5 DP. I should still be fine for the next couple years. I can only imagine what we'll have by then. :D Or maybe I'll get a third machine and finally phase out all my PCs. :D

[Tallest Skil]

While we're mindlessly speculating, any idea how close to the middle of the year the Nehalem Mac Pros will come out? I want a Mac Pro for college, but if the Nehalems come out in late July or early August I don't want to be stuck with a pathetic Penryn. ;) There'll be an easy way to judge: compare the launch date of Penryn processors to the industry in general with the release of Penryn Mac Pros. If Apple swings an exclusivity deal, even if it's for just a few weeks, it would follow that the Nehalems will be released in a similar manner. So, what're we thinking Nehalem launch-wise? Late Q3? Early Q3?

[Topper]

While we're mindlessly speculating, any idea how close to the middle of the year the Nehalem Mac Pros will come out? I want a Mac Pro for college, but if the Nehalems come out in late July or early August I don't want to be stuck with a pathetic Penryn. ;) There'll be an easy way to judge: compare the launch date of Penryn processors to the industry in general with the release of Penryn Mac Pros. If Apple swings an exclusivity deal, even if it's for just a few weeks, it would follow that the Nehalems will be released in a similar manner. So, what're we thinking Nehalem launch-wise? Late Q3? Early Q3?

You are probably looking good, Nehalems are expected to launch sometime in the first half of 2008.

[bigbird]

Nehalems are expected to launch sometime in the first half of 2008.

Maybe Apple won't even bother with the new Penryn's for the MP. If the market for MP's is so small, they may wait for something really worthwhile before updating, like Nehalem.

[Umbongo]

Maybe Apple won't even bother with the new Penryn's for the MP. If the market for MP's is so small, they may wait for something really worthwhile before updating, like Nehalem.

Nah. Up until Penryn's release processor wise the Mac pro offers the fastest Intel four and eight core options, no reason to think they won't continue to try and do so. It may not be a huge market, but it's one they won't want to lose.

[illegalprelude]

damnit! I dunno what to do now. Ive been wanting to upgrade my PowerMac G5 and ive been waiting for Leopard to come to buy a new MacPro with Leopard on it....

but if something is gonna come out a few months later....like Blu-ray drive. Yummmm.

guh!!!! Cause I member when I bought my PowerMac G5. I was like cool! 1.6GHZ!!!! Unit comes homes. 2 weeks later. "Dual core 2ghz and etc"

and then I was beating my head cause the 1.6ghz were discontinued. I dont want this to happen again :(

[psurge]

Well, this page (in German)
http://monitor.samsung.de/article.asp?artid=589DD385-B22F-4259-8836-835338EFE586

has some info about the samsung xl24 (24" LCD with LED backlight) and says it will be available at the end of October.

However, I still think the monitor rumors are completely ridiculous, because the Samsung xl20 (20" version) is currently selling for ~$1700.00. I'm guessing the 24" will be >2k on introduction...

As for the CPUs, it'll be nice to be able to affordably get 8 cores, but otherwise it's not like there is a huge difference between Harpertown/Clovertown. The one point where Apple really falls down (relatively speaking here, don't jump down my throat) is with graphics cards options. New AMD/NVidia chips are projected for end of this year/early next, and it would be kind of nice to be able to get a shiny new Mac Pro with a graphics card less than 6 months to a year old (which the 8800GTX will be soon).

So if the delay is to allow them to include a freshly minted graphics card, then I'm all for it :). I suppose if I absolutely have to I'll settle for a 2900 or 8800 though :p.

[Topper]

The one point where Apple really falls down (relatively speaking here, don't jump down my throat) is with graphics cards options.

There is absolutely no question about it.

I suppose if I absolutely have to I'll settle for a 2900 or 8800 though :p.

2900 or 8800, huh?
That's my hope also. But I am ready to be disappointed.
That's a lie, I am sitting here getting angry just thinking about it.

[FF_productions]

Yeah but still 10.2 none the less... New MacPros could have a "special" build of Tiger.

The G5's had a special build because they were brand new processors with 64 bit processing. Apple wanted them to run at full speed so they made a special build for them.


I'm sticking with my prediction that the Mac Pros will be updated before Leopard comes out.

[jessica.]

I bought my ACD last month for a reason. I felt that the next update may include a panel change and that I would have to wait longer for them to work out the bugs from such changes. I also feared they'd move towards the look of the new iMac and I simply didn't care for the black. I also don't really need a 30" ACD to include a iSight camera that is fixed in the panel. If you think about it, the 30" ACD sits above many people's heads (at least it does mine and a few others I know). The iSight may not be in a place that is great for everyone.

I think some of the rumors may come true, but the pricing on the MP is just stupid as ****.

[Trekkie]

If this rumor is correct then this will not be the 1600MHz FSB models. FB-DIMM is not supported on the 1600MHz system, it's DDR2/DDR3 in a workstation class chipset. Plus the 1600MHz chipset in question supports Dual 16x video cards

With the BS on the LED monitors I'm thinking this is a fanboy dream who doesn't understand/know the intel roadmap and is trying to guess their way to rumor stardom instead of actually knowing something.

If it's FBD, then they are just dropping Harpertown into the existing system board and making a slight change to the memory subsystem to go to 32GB if that is even correct, however Intel 5000X already supports 64GB, Apple's implementation doesn't so they could tweak something but why just double it when you could implement full solution.

I do believe there will be an update in 1Q08 that will truly bring the 1600MHz FSB systems into play, price point replace. I doubt the crazy disk stuff and would estimate they stick with 500GB as the standard, with a 750 as an upgrade. Currently Seagate doesn't offer a 1.0TB so I doubt that would be there.

I am surprised they've not quietly updated the video cards. Seems strange as what is out there and available now would warrant at least a speed bump one year later.

For those of you wonder why what I think matters it is just 20 years of Intel Server/Workstation design experience talking. It's the kind of calls I would make if I were in a role similar (and I am). It's all speculation on my part, who knows what Apple really thinks which is some of the mystique of the company. However some of the 'rumors' about the updates to the Mac Pro are pretty funny.

[darthraige]

Then Apple should get rid of this line come November...

"The fastest, most powerful, most configurable Mac ever." :apple:

[psurge]

Actually, there are FB-DIMMs to match a 1600MHz FSB. See for example http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2007/21/apacer-ddr2-800-fb-dimm-for-high-level-servers-and-workstations-introduced/

[Tracer]

This new RAM will be painfully expensive, until it's starts to get produced in massive quantities.

Tracer

[darthraige]

This new RAM will be painfully expensive, until it's starts to get produced in massive quantities.

Tracer

Great. Well, if there is no high rumor of a new MacPro due in November, or none get delivered with Leopard, then I'm just gonna buy one when Leopard comes out.

[Wild-Bill]

I am surprised they've not quietly updated the video cards. Seems strange as what is out there and available now would warrant at least a speed bump one year later.


Indeed. And to add insult to injury, they have maintained their BTO pricing on said video cards. $400.00 for an ancient x1900xt is an insult, considering you can purchase an x1950xt for $150.00. Further, you can purchase an 8800GTS 640 meg for ~ $330.00.

I hope people have been using the Mac Pro feedback link in my signature. I use it about once a week and ask them to release an 8800GTX or 8800GTS 640 meg as the mid-range option.

[psurge]

This new RAM will be painfully expensive, until it's starts to get produced in massive quantities.

Tracer

Yeah. Hopefully not all models will with ship with it. On the other hand, older slower memory shouldn't suddenly stop working, you just won't get the full benefits of the higher FSB speed. And anyway: Apple RAM is already stupidly expensive. Newegg sells 8GB (4x2GB DDR2 667 FB-DIMMs) for something like $550 with the Apple style heatsinks. Apple charges $2099 for the same (actually, $2099 more than the base 1 GB Mac Pro price)... My jaw may have suffered permanent damage from impact with the ground the first time I saw that price.

As far as I can tell, the way to go is buy the absolute smallest amount of RAM from Apple possible, then buy upgrades from an e-tailer like Newegg.

[bigbossbmb]

i almost fell on the floor laughing when I read "up to 2TB per hard drive bay"

100% bogus

[Tracer]

I really can't see why people would want to use this older 667MHZ Ram in a Stoakley Logic Board.

While it will support perform better due to the new memory controller, the increased RAM speed would help out a lot with the current memory bottleneck in the 8-Core Mac Pro's.

Tracer

[TransientWolf]

Then Apple should get rid of this line come November...

"The fastest, most powerful, most configurable Mac ever." :apple:

It still will be the fastest, most powerful, most configurable Mac ever.......just not as fast as it could be :p

There won't be a faster Mac even if they don't update in November.

[Rowlander]

If 2008 is true, I won´t be able to use my student discount. :mad:

But the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. Why should they introduce a new hot product just two months before Macworld? It´s always good to have "one more thing" to announce.

Maybe I´ll be able to get it cheaper in some other way, but I don´t think so. :(

[darthraige]

If 2008 is true, I won´t be able to use my student discount. :mad:

But the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. Why should they introduce a new hot product just two months before Macworld? It´s always good to have "one more thing" to announce.

Maybe I´ll be able to get it cheaper in some other way, but I don´t think so. :(

So they can show Leopard off at its fullest when they release it.

[mcc]

In late July and early August, Intel provided a new pricing roadmap for it's Xeon processors. I didn't save the link and can no longer find the document on Intel's web site, but as I recall the pricing of quad-core Xeon processors was less than that of dual-core processors.

Assuming that Apple believes that $2499 is the ideal price point for the Mac Pro and pays attention to its product margins, it would seem reasonable for Apple to switch from dual-core to quad-core Xeon processors for all versions of the Mac Pro.

Moving from a dual-core multi-processor to quad-core multi-processor system isn't exactly an earth-shaking news event in and of itself. It needs to be tied to something that is newsworthy like the release of Leopard with its enhanced support for multi-core, multi-processor systems.

I would expect Apple to announce an upgraded Mac Pro product line at the same time that it announces that Leopard is ready to ship. Waiting until January doesn't make sense unless Leopard is going to be delayed or Intel is having problems with its quad-core Xeon production.

[Butthead]

In late July and early August, Intel provided a new pricing roadmap for it's Xeon processors. I didn't save the link and can no longer find the document on Intel's web site, but as I recall the pricing of quad-core Xeon processors was less than that of dual-core processors.

Assuming that Apple believes that $2499 is the ideal price point for the Mac Pro and pays attention to its product margins, it would seem reasonable for Apple to switch from dual-core to quad-core Xeon processors for all versions of the Mac Pro.

Moving from a dual-core multi-processor to quad-core multi-processor system isn't exactly an earth-shaking news event in and of itself. It needs to be tied to something that is newsworthy like the release of Leopard with its enhanced support for multi-core, multi-processor systems.

I would expect Apple to announce an upgraded Mac Pro product line at the same time that it announces that Leopard is ready to ship. Waiting until January doesn't make sense unless Leopard is going to be delayed or Intel is having problems with its quad-core Xeon production.

Geez, I hope arn posts the latest rumor I submitted yesterday, otherwise we'll just have people continually repeating old news, old rumors. This is the 3rd thread I've posted to so far...are there any others on MP's "coming soon" that I missed?

Details on Penryn launch Nov. 11, 2008
http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/09/28/intel.penryn.nov.11/

Referecing the always reliable, best Apple rumor site ever (well if don't count MacOSrumors, lol) Digitimes:

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20070928PD207.html
Intel plans to release the first 45nm desktop CPU, the Core 2 Extreme QX9650 on November 11, according to sources at motherboard makers.

The quad-core CPU will offer a frequency of 3.0GHz with 1333MHz FSB and 12MB L2 cache. As is typical for products in the Extreme series, pricing for the CPU will be set at US$999 in 1000-unit tray quantities.

In an update to previous reports, three 45nm quad-core CPUs (Yorkfield) and another three 45nm dual-core CPUs (Wolfdale) for desktops will be launched in January next year, noted the sources.

The three quad-core CPUs will include the Core 2 Quad Q9550 (2.83GHz, 12MB L2 cache), Q9450 (2.66GHz, 12MB) and Q9300 (2.5GHz, 6MB), with pricing expected at US$530, US$316 and US$266 in 1000-unit tray quantities, respectively.

The three dual-core CPUs will include the Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16GHz, 6MB L2 cache), E8400 (3.0GHz) and E8200 (2.66GHz) priced at US$266, US$183 and US$163 in 1000-unit tray quantities, respectively. Plans also include a fourth dual-core CPU, the E8300 (2.83Ghz, 6MB), but pricing and availability have not yet been set.


Anymore questions? ;)

[suneohair]

Geez, I hope arn posts the latest rumor I submitted yesterday, otherwise we'll just have people continually repeating old news, old rumors. This is the 3rd thread I've posted to so far...are there any others on MP's "coming soon" that I missed?

Details on Penryn launch Nov. 11, 2008
http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/09/28/intel.penryn.nov.11/

Referecing the always reliable, best Apple rumor site ever (well if don't count MacOSrumors, lol) Digitimes:

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20070928PD207.html



Anymore questions? ;)

What don't you understand about DESKTOP CPU?

The current Mac Pro uses Xeon processors. It is safe to assume they will continue to do so. Which means they would use the Harpertown CPUs.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/display/20070815102710.html

Also, since you love digitimes so much, try searching for Harpertown articles within the last 3 months.

[Wild-Bill]

Geez, I hope arn posts the latest rumor I submitted yesterday, otherwise we'll just have people continually repeating old news, old rumors.


You've been corrected several times in your other posting, butthead.

WOLFDALE is a D E S K T O P processor. Mac Pros use X E O N S. The next update to the Mac Pros will have H A R P E R T O W N processors, which come out on November 11th.

If are you are trying to debunk Mac Pro rumors in November, you need to get your facts straight. It is painfully obvious by all of your posts you have no idea what the Mac Pro uses or will use. :rolleyes::rolleyes: