Is it really dumb to purchase a mac pro now? [Archive]

Josh-H

Sep 28, 2008, 08:07 PM

I know the rumour is 'January' for the announcement of a mac pro update - fair enough - and historically, the rumour is probably pretty accurate.

My question is - is it really stupid to drop $5,000 - $6,000 Australian [say around 3-4k US] on a mac pro this close to an update?

I do 'need' it for my photography - but at the same time.. I could probably live without it - life would just be much nicer with it :-)

So I am sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place with the purchase. On the one hand buying now means a stable well tested machine. But on the other hand.. a new faster machine in 4 months or so.

I guess the real question is - will the mac pro drop in price prior to an update to sweeten the deal?

BTW: I am not indicisive with my purchase...
I just cant make up my mind :D

SnowLeopard2008

Sep 28, 2008, 08:32 PM

If you can't make up your mind, then you should wait. If you don't really "need" it, wait for the updates.

madfresh

Sep 28, 2008, 08:36 PM

If you do not need to update, just wait. The current Mac Pros could use a better graphic card, and they still do not have an option for a blu-ray drive. I'd say wait for updates as you may have buyer's remorse if you buy now.

akm3

Sep 28, 2008, 10:25 PM

I wouldn't wait, I don't think there is much they could do to it by January. I know everyone says Nehalem, but I really doubt it. It'll probably get a minor speed bump.

m1stake

Sep 28, 2008, 10:29 PM

I wouldn't wait, I don't think there is much they could do to it by January. I know everyone says Nehalem, but I really doubt it. It'll probably get a minor speed bump.

What is there to doubt? The same thing happened last year.

AppleNewton

Sep 28, 2008, 10:35 PM

as there are never accurate proofs to updates, just speculation.
there are no (publicly) determined specs or information regarding it at all...noone knows anything about it on the outside.

Id presume a spring 2009 Apr/May/June refresh at the earliest.

If you need it, get it.
if not get a refurb imac from the apple store for the time being, always great values and nice deals.

Bwa

Sep 28, 2008, 10:52 PM

I waited for 8 months for the current Mac Pros, which in hindsight was too long, but I was convinced that new ones would be out "any day now". I also waited 8 months before buying a 30" Apple display--I was hoping for a price change, spec change--something--anything! 8 months later, they still are the same. I am glad I am not still waiting.

I wouldn't wait if you're using the computer to make money.

pawn3d

Sep 28, 2008, 10:57 PM

I also waited 8 months before buying a 30" Apple display--I was hoping for a price change, spec change--something--anything! 8 months later, they still are the same.Displays don't depreciate as fast as computers do. 30 in is still 30 in. ;)

nanofrog

Sep 28, 2008, 11:24 PM

I would wait. :)
Nehalem looks to be well worth it. :D

grue

Sep 28, 2008, 11:32 PM

Displays don't depreciate as fast as computers do. 30 in is still 30 in. ;)

30" with one type of video input and second rate contrast, refresh, and other specs.

sushi

Sep 28, 2008, 11:36 PM

There will always be newer and greater hardware down the pike.

You'll hear comments similar to don't upgrade now because X or Y will be available in the next version. Usually this is speculation. Nobody knows for sure.

Also, when new systems are released, there is usually a month or so delay before you can actually purchase the item.

The old adage of buy want you need now is good advice. If you need it, then buy it. If you don't then wait.

Josh-H

Sep 28, 2008, 11:38 PM

I would wait. :)
Nehalem looks to be well worth it. :D

Ih what respect?

I need to understand what it brings to the table that I couldnt have now.

Thanks.

bigbossbmb

Sep 28, 2008, 11:48 PM

Ih what respect?

I need to understand what it brings to the table that I couldnt have now.

Thanks.

They are getting rid of the FSB which, from what I've read, will give RAM a direct connection to the CPUs... so pretty much any RAM intensive task will get a major speed bump.

m1stake

Sep 28, 2008, 11:49 PM

You'll hear comments similar to don't upgrade now because X or Y will be available in the next version. Usually this is speculation. Nobody knows for sure.

There is nothing to speculate on except the price. The benchmarks are out there, the performance is up there. :p

Haqq

Sep 28, 2008, 11:51 PM

Just wait it out should be out before holidays...

ChemiosMurphy

Sep 28, 2008, 11:56 PM

If you NEED it, buy it! Don't turn away projects since your computer can't handle it. If you need it , just get it. Lost time is lost money.

The software always lags behind the hardware. The current MP will last a few years at least. i7 will be a major change in the chips, but its not going to edit the pictures for you or cook your dinner. There will always be something amazing on the horizon, so just buy the system. You'll feel like a total fool if you wait, and wait, and wait, then comes January with some pee-on update.

Time is money.

SnowLeopard2008

Sep 28, 2008, 11:58 PM

Well since the OP hasn't made a decision, I'd have to venture and say he doesn't need it. If I really needed something let it be a mouse or a new computer I'd buy it right away regardless of future updates. But if I have to ask around for advice or have trouble biting the bullet and doing it, I'd probably dont need it.

sushi

Sep 29, 2008, 12:01 AM

There is nothing to speculate on except the price. The benchmarks are out there, the performance is up there. :p
However, we don't know what will actually end up in the new Mac Pro because we don't know what design concept the good engineers at Apple decide to implement.

gotzero

Sep 29, 2008, 12:33 AM

I just gave in and got the 8x2.8. My prior desktop was no longer cutting it.

Some more RAM and two more video cards later, and I am in megapixel and data crunching bliss. I have VMs of both Ubuntu and XP running, and I am finding everything to work splendidly. I am very happy.

I figure there will be a newer model out soon, maybe a 12 core box, but this one is more then enough power for me for now. If you are getting by without it then you can hold off, but it might be a long winter. I figure leaving mine on will help with the heating bill...

nanofrog

Sep 29, 2008, 12:53 AM

Ih what respect?

I need to understand what it brings to the table that I couldnt have now.

Thanks.

QPI will replace FSB, and gives increased bandwidth.

DDR3 ECC (up to triple channel)

If Apple pairs two chipsets, you get all PCIe slots at PCIe 2.0 x16. Not just electrically.

Return of hyperthreading

Quite a bit of information is now available.
Here's a couple of quick links..
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=1025
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3326&p=9

A search or two should reveal much more. ;)

osin

Sep 29, 2008, 08:02 AM

Wouldn't be dumb to wait for a new Mac Pro couple months in believe that it will be faster, more efficient etc than todays configurations and never use its "power"?

Like others would say: if you need it now - buy it, if you can manage to wait - wait...

After new MPro will be available for sale you can buy present MPro's as a refurbished for $200-300 less.

Michael73

Sep 29, 2008, 09:43 AM

Newer, faster hardware is only good if the software can take advantage of it. Just look at all the posts here about people who have MPs with tons of RAM and CS3 and it's just not optimized for it. Sure, eventually it will but even now a MPs hardware is waaaaay ahead of what most software can use.

I echo what most people have written. If you need it now get it. Resale on these machines is very good. If you get it and then the new ones come out in 6-12 months and you just have to have one, the marginal cost of ownership won't be that much. Especially, if you can write it off as a business expense.

Josh-H

Sep 29, 2008, 08:51 PM

I am happy and ready to buy now - I was just hoping there may be a price drop prior to the release of the new model next year.

Do apple normally drop the price before a new release?

nanofrog

Sep 29, 2008, 09:24 PM

I am happy and ready to buy now - I was just hoping there may be a price drop prior to the release of the new model next year.

Do apple normally drop the price before a new release?
No. :(
You'd do better looking for a refurb, or at least checking other sites, as some do discount slightly from MSRP.

zer0tails

Sep 29, 2008, 10:18 PM

+1 on refurbs. Good price.

nanofrog

Sep 29, 2008, 11:06 PM

Here's an example:

smalldog.com (http://www.smalldog.com/product/70718/atbarefeats) has it for $2499.99USD New.
Apple refurb (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/BizCustom.woa/9514006/wa/PSLID?sf=wKDFTK7PHCXXKUJA7&nclm=CertifiedMac&wosid=vT2ImWAJ7zcp2WwwfvwHsww3LyJ) base model for $2399.00USD (scroll down)

Both offer free shipping. :)

Matsta

Sep 29, 2008, 11:14 PM

QPI will replace FSB, and gives increased bandwidth.

DDR3 ECC (up to triple channel)

If Apple pairs two chipsets, you get all PCIe slots at PCIe 2.0 x16. Not just electrically.

Return of hyperthreading

Quite a bit of information is now available.
Here's a couple of quick links..
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/?p=1025
http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3326&p=9

A search or two should reveal much more. ;)

I guess, also that the New Mac Pro's will be using Socket LGA 1366, which is different to LGA 771, so in about a year or so, everyone will be starting to move over. So if you wait till January, you will have a more futureproof system, and therefore will retain its value better if want to sell it in the future.

nanofrog

Sep 30, 2008, 12:39 AM

I guess, also that the New Mac Pro's will be using Socket LGA 1366, which is different to LGA 771, so in about a year or so, everyone will be starting to move over. So if you wait till January, you will have a more futureproof system, and therefore will retain its value better if want to sell it in the future.
Yes, the Nehalem architecture uses the LGA1366. :)

As for "future proofing", that's arguable as the technology always changes, and a computer depreciates in value.
Much like cars. Only faster. :p

onestream

Sep 30, 2008, 03:11 AM

To buy or not to buy? A classic Bates 4000 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RFVXcaw8RWQ) decision!

Quash

Sep 30, 2008, 06:09 AM

Of you can wait by all means wait until the next model. I was facing the same decision last year and by waiting 3 more months i got more then double the cpu power for the same money.

It will be updated in January and you will get 2x 4core nehalum cpu's which will be considerately faster. And more important will have a faster memory interface.

So if you can wait, wait! Not that the current mac pro is too slow, it's insanely powerful.

But a new generation will be faster and thus last longer and thus will be a better investment.

wheezy

Sep 30, 2008, 05:18 PM

I just bought a refurb of the current standard config (2.8 Quad x 2) for $2600 total, including tax and overnight shipping. (It'll be here tomorrow!) I do photography and am excited about the 4 HD bays and loads of RAM I can put in there. I probably could have waited until January, but when the money is in my pocket it burns real hot.

I'm stoked. I expect it to be pretty future proof as well, hoping for a solid 4-5 years of use.

Josh-H

Sep 30, 2008, 06:11 PM

Would love to purchase from the refurb store... but Australia doesnt have one.....:(

nanofrog

Sep 30, 2008, 06:17 PM

Would love to purchase from the refurb store... but Australia doesnt have one.....:(
Hmm...You had to go and make things difficult...:D :p

I checked smalldog.com, and though they will accept international orders, they are under an agreement not to ship internationally. :(

Unfortunately, I've no idea what else to suggest, unless you know someone in the US you trust enough to receive the computer, then reship to you.

sushi

Sep 30, 2008, 06:29 PM

To buy or not to buy? A classic Bates 4000 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RFVXcaw8RWQ) decision!
Funny. Thanks for sharing.

I'm stoked. I expect it to be pretty future proof as well, hoping for a solid 4-5 years of use.
You realize that the day a computer is released it is already obsolete in pure technical terms. Accept it. :)

As for Mac computer longevity and use, I still use a PowerBook 15 that is almost 6 years old and a PowerMac G4 that is 7 years old. They both still do what I need them to do.

HooHar

Oct 1, 2008, 04:02 AM

sash

Oct 1, 2008, 05:02 AM

I guess the real question is - will the mac pro drop in price prior to an update to sweeten the deal?

I believe, Apple has never dropped its price for Mac Pro before the major upgrade. They're squeezing out of the current model everything it gets (it's already relatively low-priced on the introduction point, so this strategy is absolutely reasonable). The new machine will have pretty much same price on day 1.

sash

Josh-H

Oct 1, 2008, 07:48 AM

I cant stand it any longer - I am ordering the mac pro tomorrow morning first thing. Then as soon as it arrives I am drop kicking the POS dell desktop I have been living with down the st. :D

2.8 Ghz Quad Core w/ 8 Gig Ram w/ Nvidia 500mb Video Card, Wi Fi card, 3 x 500 Gig Hard Drives w/ apple raid card to run in RAID 5.

Obviously - since I dont have stupid tatooed on my forehead - I will be buying the RAM and HD's aftermarket. ;-)

liquid stereo

Oct 1, 2008, 08:38 AM

I am waiting. I have one job I need to process that I really need the extra RAM of the current Mac Pros. My current machine is a 2x2 GHz G5 with 6GB.

I do a fair amount of parallel computing (hand-written code utilizing MPI) and the memory performance of the current Intel machines leaves a lot to be desired.

Anyone know where I can find some technical details about the upcoming chips, memory layout/controllers and motherboards?

Cheers!

I cant stand it any longer - I am ordering the mac pro tomorrow morning first thing...

nanofrog

Oct 1, 2008, 02:18 PM