Possible Mac Pro Shipping Delays / Apple Horror Story

[jwire4]

I just wanted to share my ongoing story with you. Take this into mind if you are planning on ordering a CTO Mac Pro from the Apple Online Store. I really would like to here what your thoughts and opions are on the subject. Does this hint to a new Mac Pro, or is this just a mess of on Apple's part? Or is this something totaly diffrent? Let me know.

I've waited very long, saving my money for the ultimate video editing rig. I finally was able to collect the money, and being it after WWDC, I gave my self the green light to order an 8 core Mac Pro. Now I know there have been rumors of a refresh for a while now, but at this point, I need the computer and I am not going to wait any longer. So, on Friday June 18th, I took the plunge and ordered the Mac Pro.

Now things started off bad in the beging. Before I did anything, I called the credit card compnay to inform them on a large purchase I would be making. They confirmed it and I ordered the machine. Now I understand, CTO is CTO and I also understand I did spec the machine out quite a bit, but keep in mind, it shouldn't take a week. Here's my configuration. Ships in 2-4 buisness days. Delivers between June 23rd-June29th

Two 2.26GHz Quad-Core Intel Xe
16GB (8x2GB)
2x NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512MB
640GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/
Two 18x SuperDrives
AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi Card
FINAL CUT EXPRESS.
Apple Magic Mouse
WL KYBRD + USERS GUIDE
Country Kit Mac Pro

Alright, this shouldn't be anything new. I figured this should be a fast process. I was wrong. The first thing that happened was my credit card being rejected. Not a big deal. They called me, we got the issue taken care of. And instead of the order going in at 1pm it went in at around 3. So I also ended up ordering Apple Care and a Free iPod Touch 8GB. The Apple Care order was complete, iPod Touch Shipped same day, but the Mac Pro was "Not Yet Shipped"

On a side not, I did order through the Apple Education Store.

The weekend went by, everything was fine until around Mid Monday. You might have seen my previous thread, where I was explained that that Monday was the first actual Buisness Day Alright, No worries. Around 8:30am, FedEx comes to deliver the iPod Touch. Great! But still my Mac Pro is "Not Yet Shipped". I attempted to call Apple, but because of the iPhone 4, I hung up at about 25 min on hold.

Now things didn't start to go anyplace until Wednsday. It is now Day 3 of 4, and still not yet shipped. The 1-800-MY-APPLE robot tells me it is being "processed". Now I was almost certain that Apple would at least have it pre-pared for Shipment. Nope. So I give them a call. After 25min on hold, the Rep tells me the info I already know (2-4 business day delivery, est delivery dates) and he says that the order went through fine. I wait and wait. I finally call up around 5 or so, and I explain that my order is still showing: Not Yet Shipped. He assures me it will ship, and even gives me free expedited 2 business day shipping. That kept me good, for a while.

I then called today. Day 4 of 4. Again I understand these orders take time, but when Apple says 2-business days, I expect 2-4 business days. So I decided to call again. This time I had to wait because of the high call volume. I call back getting a rep, hurrying me along, assuring me that the Mac Pro will ship today. Alright whatever. I then call a little later, and I get a rep who again sees my order is still: Not Yet Shipped. He at this point sounds a bit confused. He goes to offer me expiduted shipping, but sees I already have it. He sounds confused. He says he doesn't know why it hasen't shipped, but told it me it shoild ship off later today.

7 o'clock rolls around, and my order status has not changed for days. I then call again, 30 min on hold, and get another rep. I explain to her it says 2-4 buisness days, I have gotten no delayed notifcations, and nothing to indicate there is a problem with the order. She then says it should ship tomorrow. Wait that would be a week. You claimed 2-4 business days, you have had plenty of time to build the computer. The Mac Pro hasen;t been updated for a while, there shouldn't be a shortage of supply. I ask her what happens if it doesn't ship tomorrow. She says I should call them (which means calling to make it through, sit on hold for 30 min, and then be told to wait until Monday for it to ship). And this is where I am at now.

Now thank you for letting me vent my frustrations. Has this happened to anyone else? Is Apple holding the computer? I paid almost 5k for this machine. I think the machine should get shipping priority. Now have you ever had an experience like this? What do you think? Is there a problem? Is this the sign of a new Mac Pro? Or is it just a mess up? Whatever it is, I am not happy. :(

:apple: My Apple Fanboy-ism is fading...:apple:

[Icaras]

Yess! This is a great sign! Actually, sorry, I know this has been inconvenient for you, but maybe this is a big telling clue that the Mac Pro will finally get updated next week.

You know if Tuesday rolls by and no new Mac Pro shows up, then I'd call back and give them hell. At that point, I would expect more than just free 2 day shipping.

Thanks for sharing this and do keep us up to date.

[Roman23]

I don't think this is going to happen.. not now at least.. maybe in July or September.


Yess! This is a great sign! Actually, sorry, I know this has been inconvenient for you, but maybe this is a big telling clue that the Mac Pro will finally get updated next week.

You know if Tuesday rolls by and no new Mac Pro shows up, then I'd call back and give them hell. At that point, I would expect more than just free 2 day shipping.

Thanks for sharing this and do keep us up to date.

[iSax1234]

I have a friend still waiting on a CTO 2010 MBP from May. He's US. Oh Apple. I agree I don't think Apple will update the Mac Pro's till September, sadly.

[VirtualRain]

I believe there is something funny going on with Apple's distribution centers in general (maybe swamped with iPad and iPhone orders?).

I ordered a new base-model Mac Mini a week ago (no customizations) through the Education store and it still hasn't shipped yet either. The rep on the phone told me that there's nothing they can do until it's 3 business days overdue. So I think you just have to hang in there. I know it probably feels like torture, but it will ship eventually :)

[jwire4]

I really appreciate all the responsos! Finally someone feels my pain! So let me ask you this, when do I call Apple? It's almost 11pm PST. I was thinking maybe around 10am. If they were going to ship it, it should be out by then. What do you guys think?

[Icaras]

I don't think this is going to happen.. not now at least.. maybe in July or September.

Yea, I'm a hopeless dreamer, I know :(

I believe there is something funny going on with Apple's distribution centers in general (maybe swamped with iPad and iPhone orders?).

I ordered a new base-model Mac Mini a week ago (no customizations) through the Education store and it still hasn't shipped yet either. The rep on the phone told me that there's nothing they can do until it's 3 business days overdue. So I think you just have to hang in there. I know it probably feels like torture, but it will ship eventually :)

Hey, I noticed in your sig you have a Mac Mini from last year. If you don't mind me asking, what do you use your Mini primarily for? HTPC? And did you purchase the new model to replace your current one?

Oh, and by the way, base Minis are selling for $669 currently at Amazon if you didn't know. No shipping and tax (depending on your state I think)

[seisend]

I had to wait for my Mac Pro a week or little more too. What's the problem?!
2-4 Business Days is just an estimation. My advice is just wait until this beast arrives to your house and don't call Apple everyday.

The shipment will be priority.

[Ravich]

I don't think this is going to happen.. not now at least.. maybe in July or September.
Why not this tuesday? What makes July more likely? Why not August if September is a candidate? Why not October then?

[you39]

I had to wait for my Mac Pro a week or little more too. What's the problem?!
2-4 Business Days is just an estimation. My advice is just wait until this beast arrives to your house and don't call Apple everyday.

The shipment will be priority.

I'm also disappointed. Where's the horror in this story? ;)

[xgman]

The moral of this story is that you probably should just hunker down and wait like the rest of us since apparently there is no quick fix here..

[fhall1]

Keep your pants on.....Apple's been a little busy lately. I'd rather get my properly built to order machine in 10 days, rather than something that's missing parts I ordered in 4.

BTW....me jealous....nice config you have there.

[jwire4]

Alright everyone here's the update. If this doesn't tell you there is a new Mac Pro, I don't know what else is. HUGE inconvience for me. I know have to wait another week for a machine I need today!

Due to an unexpected delay, we now anticipate shipping the following
item(s) as follows:
MAC PRO
Ships by 1 - 3 business days
Delivers by Jun 29 - Jul 2

Very upset at this point. There is no reason for a delay.

[strausd]

Why not this tuesday? What makes July more likely? Why not August if September is a candidate? Why not October then?

People are just making blind guesses at this point. The only thing I can think of that can show a new Mac Pro in July is that Apple has updated one of their computers every month for the last three months, all of which right in the middle of that month. So there is a possibility they will update one of their computers in the middle of this month. However, the MBA and iMac are also about due for an update, so who knows which will be first.

[VirtualRain]

Hey, I noticed in your sig you have a Mac Mini from last year. If you don't mind me asking, what do you use your Mini primarily for? HTPC? And did you purchase the new model to replace your current one?

Oh, and by the way, base Minis are selling for $669 currently at Amazon if you didn't know. No shipping and tax (depending on your state I think)

Exactly... I use it for a HTPC running Plex. I'm selling my 2009 on Craigslist and replacing it with the 2010 model... I like the HDMI output and the new GPU apparently handles Plex hardware accelerated decoding better than the older 9400M.

As mentioned, I purchased mine through the education store which saves me a few Canuck Bucks (I'm in Canada).

Alright everyone here's the update. If this doesn't tell you there is a new Mac Pro, I don't know what else is. HUGE inconvience for me. I know have to wait another week for a machine I need today!

Due to an unexpected delay, we now anticipate shipping the following
item(s) as follows:
MAC PRO
Ships by 1 - 3 business days
Delivers by Jun 29 - Jul 2

Very upset at this point. There is no reason for a delay.

Dude... you need to relax... go grab a couple of cervesas and sit by the pool! :D

There is a reason, it's just you or anyone you've talked to doesn't know it. I'm in the same boat with a stock Mac Mini purchase... I suspect Apple is just scrambling to keep up with all the orders for iPad's and iPhones flying in... it's a great problem to have! If it is because a new Mac Pro is just around the corner, be thankful... you can just send it back and get the latest and greatest.

[xgman]

However, the MBA and iMac are also about due for an update, so who knows which will be first.

Wouldn't that make 2 imac refreshes while we have been waiting for 1 MP refresh?

[Ravich]

I'm not sure why they would update the iMac before the back to special ends.

[Cavepainter]

So you ordered a CTO computer on Friday, and you called on Monday because it hadn't arrived yet? And how many times total have you called Apple about this already?

Dude, I'm as frustrated as you are about the whole Mac Pro thing, and I understand you want your computer bad and you spent a boatload of cash to get it, but you really gotta relax. We have all waited for months and months for them to release the new model- so what's a couple more days?

All they need is a parts shortage on one of the items you wanted custom and there's your delay. They wont send it out with something missing- thats not gonna happen. Besides, as we have all been finding out the hard way, Apple (God bless 'em!) is plenty busy making gobs of money selling itoys right now, so your Pro order unfortunately may be on the back burner, so to speak. (there's a bit of my cynicism speaking here.)

After all the false alarms about indicators of the new model's release, I don't think at all that this is a good indicator of the new model coming out soon. (Its definitely worth mentioning, however.) Plus, as others have mentioned, theres been a couple of small things that have been a SLIGHT distraction for Apple shipping centers- specifically a new Mac Mini and, oh yeah, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of Iphone orders to deal with. I cant even imagine how insane it is at those shipping centers right now.....

So as others have said, relax, and grab a beer. Take your girl out on a date. Have some fun NOT sitting at a computer for a couple more days. If it still hasn't shown up in a few more days, THEN call 'em and give them hell!!!

[strausd]

Wouldn't that make 2 imac refreshes while we have been waiting for 1 MP refresh?

Yes it would. But I was just mentioning it because after looking at the buyers guide, it has been a good amount of time since the iMac update. They probably won't update the iMac befor the MP, that would just be stupid. However, I could see them updating th MBA before the MP. That would totally suck but I could see that happening. As for the iMac being refreshed before or after the back to school thing is over, I think it will be after. If they stick with the one computer update a month, they still have July, august, and September. My guess is, since the iMac is the newest, it will be updated in September. As for the MP and MBA, it is fairly close between the days since their last update. The MP is well in the 400s, MBA about to hit 400, and the iMac in the 200s. So I disagree with everybody who thinks the MP won't come out til September, they are just stupid for thinking that. So I think that by the end of august, we will see a new MP and new MBA.

[Ravich]

So I disagree with everybody who thinks the MP won't come out til September, they are just stupid for thinking that.

This changes everything.

[VirtualRain]

Wouldn't that make 2 imac refreshes while we have been waiting for 1 MP refresh?

Sadly, there's also been 3 Mac Mini refreshes in the lifespan of the current Mac Pro. :eek: :p

[jwire4]

You guys have really helped me to calm down. Hopefully this is just a problem with all the iPhone 4s shipping out. I would like to see a new Mac Pro, but not when I am in the middle of ordering mine. Called Apple just to see what the delay was. They didn't know, but the rep did give me a free iPod Touch case. Pretty nice. I am trying to stay as calm as possible, and haven't checked the Mac Pro Order Status all day. Hopefully it will ship out Monday or Tuesday and I will received it next week. If you have any questions or comments, keep adding them ;)

[jwire4]

My Mac Pro is now prepared for shipment! This is good news for me, but might be bad for some hopeful people hoping for updates. I don't know. It's Apple, anything can happen.

[Icaras]

My Mac Pro is now prepared for shipment! This is good news for me, but might be bad for some hopeful people hoping for updates. I don't know. It's Apple, anything can happen.

Well if it doesn't actually ship until Tuesday, there's still some remote possibility...:D

[oilfighter]

My Mac Pro is now prepared for shipment! This is good news for me, but might be bad for some hopeful people hoping for updates. I don't know. It's Apple, anything can happen.

congrats, but my hope of seeing a new mac pro next Tuesday just died a little more.

[seclusion]

Yes a BTO system will always take longer.
For quick turn around, get the stalk system, then add ram, Hd's etc after the fact. I suspect you are waiting because someone has to open the box, case, install yada yada so there is a couple of steps that add to the delay.
30 days from delivery, you can update to the newest Mac Pro.
Maybe the waiting game will be positive for you and within that window an update comes. Pout a bit and maybe apple will exchange...
But waiting can be hard to do.
I feel your pain.

B

[thermodynamic]

Yess! This is a great sign! Actually, sorry, I know this has been inconvenient for you, but maybe this is a big telling clue that the Mac Pro will finally get updated next week.

You know if Tuesday rolls by and no new Mac Pro shows up, then I'd call back and give them hell. At that point, I would expect more than just free 2 day shipping.

Thanks for sharing this and do keep us up to date.

I'm not sure. I'd like to hope as much, but the Mac Pro isn't as much for the consumer market. If iMacs and iPhones and MacBooks sell much more, they will likely neglect the Mac Pro. Apple does seem to be moving more towards consumer fluff - and away from niche customers that have supported them for years...

[jwire4]

Sorry guys, I think I might have killed some hopefuls. Amazingly today (Saturday) my Mac Pro has shipped. Granted they have only received the billing info, but things will start happening now and I am expected to receive it Tuesday. WoHoooo!

[snberk103]

... So I disagree with everybody who thinks the MP won't come out til September, they are just stupid for thinking that. So I think that by the end of august, we will see a new MP and new MBA.

Don't you think that's a bit harsh - just because someone's idle speculation, with no factual basis, doesn't agree with your wishful thinking, entirely based on a random coincidental timing? If there isn't a new MP by August - what does that mean?

Though I suppose the only good response to a comment like that is "I know you are, but what am I :p ?"

I can tell you the exact day they will be launched. Ask me the day after.
:D

[Cynicalone]

My 09 Mac Pro was Ordered on March 30th, last year. It shipped on May 12th and arrived on May 15th.

These things do happen when you custom order.

[Concorde Rules]

Still confused what you think the MP will change to.

Barely any new CPUs (6 cores will cost more than the current 4 cores), maybe a new GPU and maybe a reduction in price.

You buy a Mac Pro because you need it, not because you want the latest and greatest!?

[jwire4]

You buy a Mac Pro because you need it, not because you want the latest and greatest!?

That's what I did. I really don' need the latest and greatest, just something that can do my work sufficiently. If the new one comes out and I feel like it would be a big improvement, I will upgrade. If not, than I am happy with the one I have.

[ValSalva]

You buy a Mac Pro because you need it, not because you want the latest and greatest!?

That's never been more true than now :rolleyes:

[Ravich]

I'm not sure. I'd like to hope as much, but the Mac Pro isn't as much for the consumer market. If iMacs and iPhones and MacBooks sell much more, they will likely neglect the Mac Pro. Apple does seem to be moving more towards consumer fluff - and away from niche customers that have supported them for years...
Can you stop saying completely and utterly baseless things like this? Apple isnt going to send the entire pro market over to non Apple products.

[snberk103]

I'm not sure. I'd like to hope as much, but the Mac Pro isn't as much for the consumer market. If iMacs and iPhones and MacBooks sell much more, they will likely neglect the Mac Pro. Apple does seem to be moving more towards consumer fluff - and away from niche customers that have supported them for years...

Can you stop saying completely and utterly baseless things like this? Apple isnt going to send the entire pro market over to non Apple products.

I agree with Ravich.

People need to realize that Apple has many things on the go, and that for them it's not a case of iThings or Mac Things. The computer section of Apple is run by people who have not much to with what the iThing people are doing. Where it gets complicated for Apple is trying to co-ordinate the marketing.

I think the other thing we have hit is that tower computers are now a mature product. What exactly is the huge update that a Mac Pro needs? I believe that there are small number of professionals who will always be able to efficiently use the fastest systems out there, and who will actually max out a quantum speed, 24 core system.

My observation is that for the vast number of people the bottlenecks are not in the hardware anymore, its in the software. There is little point in increasing the CPU clock speed on 4, 6, 8, 12, or 24 cores if the applications are using only 2 or 3 cores at a time. Snow Leopard has started to correct that by making it easy for applications to take advantage of multiple cores, but very few applications are there yet.

On the current Mac Pros you can put in all the memory that 99% of people need, and you can install a mind-numbing amount of storage internally, or externally using nearly half a dozen protocols.

Mac Pros are not designed to be used by gamers, so the video cards are as good as 99% of the intended market needs.

My prediction is that Apple will start releasing it's own software, and a flagship 3rd party application, that actually uses all available cores efficiently at the same time as 12 or 16 core machines are announced.

After that, the Mac Pro will be retired/completely re-imagineered as a Build Your Own system of modules connected by Lightpeak connectors. ;)

[Cavepainter]

Can you stop saying completely and utterly baseless things like this? Apple isnt going to send the entire pro market over to non Apple products.

Well, then, by all means, prove how wrong he is. Please. We're all ears.

Every day that goes by with not update and no creditable information or leaks at all IS the basis for his argument. And its getting stronger every day. The Mac Pro page on the Apple website has got to be the only page on the whole site that hasn't even been TOUCHED in months. Introducing the new Mac Pro. No spec updates, no price reductions. Zilch. Oh wait, I think in December of last year they offered a new high-end processor option or something like that. Guess I was wrong.

I work with artists that wanted Mac Pros and bought i7's instead. I work at a studio that wanted SIXTY Mac Pros and bought Imacs instead because they were a much much better deal. I'm a Mac Pro user thats been waiting for the new one since last fall- so believe me, I would much rather believe you than him, but, seriously, Apple is doing one hell of a job making him APPEAR to be right, aren't they?

The only thing that seems to point otherwise is the now famous "just wait".

Where's YOUR evidence showing that he's wrong?

[Ravich]

Shouldnt you be asking where HIS evidence is? (hint: it's been a long time since the last update doesnt count as evidence.) Can you explain to me, on any level, what Apple would possibly stand to gain from ending the pro line?

We're talking about apple. How often do we actually know anything about updates? When the mini got updated, no one had been saying "there will definitely be a mac mini update on tuesday but certainly no mac pro update." No, it could have been either one, or the macbook air, or none of them. We just. dont. know. We never do.

Stop acting like this update is "unacceptably long" for any reason other than the fact that you're waiting for it. If you werent, it would be a passing "Hmm. It's been a while since the last Mac Pro update. Must be one coming soon."

If the update happens a month from now, the "WAY TOO LONG" wait period will have been totally insignificant in retrospect, because it was coming all along. Here's the thing: every. single. day between now and then would have you thinking "the Mac Pro line is ending, isnt it?" Until the update (which you have no idea when is happening) comes, the wait period means to you that the mac pro is ending. Isnt that a bit silly?



Let's be honest here. Your only reason for believing anything regarding the mac pro ending is that you really want the update now and in the meantime, angsting about it gives you something to be upset about.

[jwire4]

I agree with you guys. We all know Apple will eventually update it. Wether that be in 3 months, or tomorrow, we don't know. All we know is Apple's Mac Pro isn't the latest and greatest, but it is sure one hell of a computer! That's one of the reasons I bought a Mac Pro now. Even when you buy the new Mac Pro,their will eventually be a new one out. So I think the best rule to go by is this:If you need it, buy it. If you can wait, wait.

[strausd]

The Mac Pro page on the Apple website has got to be the only page on the whole site that hasn't even been TOUCHED in months.

First off, you need to just relax. Go take a warm bath or something to calm down.

Second, more focused on this quote, the MBA is actually ranked lower on their top sellers. So if you are saying that the MP is the only one that hasn't been looked at in a long time, think again.

Also, has the thought that maybe the reason Apple is taking so long is because it's not ready yet, or is that too much for you?


We're talking about apple. How often do we actually know anything about updates? When the mini got updated, no one had been saying "there will definitely be a mac mini update on tuesday but certainly no mac pro update." No, it could have been either one, or the macbook air, or none of them. We just. dont. know. We never do.



So true. Same for the MacBook! We didn't see any rumors about that one either. And we only saw one rumor about the MBP and that was a benchmark. And the reason we saw one for that is probably because it's their most popular computer. Seriously, go look on their website and look at top sellers, its number 1. Face it, today people like portability. That is why the Mac Pro isn't as popular as the MBP. However, people still need powerful desktops all the same. However, that does not mean that people will like them more.

[the editor]

:If you need it, buy it. If you can wait, wait.

i find this to be such a lame excuse!! i need a new computer for heavy duty work with lots of CPU power. "Fast!" . Yet this is not going to turn me stupid by paying more than double the money for today's MacPro than what its actually worth. with outdated hardware and a toy computer graphics card.

Why not stop flaming and by a windows PC...well very simple, Apple has allot of pro's Hi-jacked, since lots of professionals invest lots of money in "legal" Mac software and type library's that coast more than 2 Mac Pro's.

So there really is not that much of an option now is there, you either throw your (in my case) 10000$+ investment overboard, or get robbed by Apple because its there way of doing bussines.

i need it now, but i won't buy it...i can't wait, but i'm forced to wait.

[Zedcars]

:If you need it, buy it. If you can wait, wait.

i find this to be such a lame excuse!! i need a new computer for heavy duty work with lots of CPU power. "Fast!" . Yet this is not going to turn me stupid by paying more than double the money for today's MacPro than what its actually worth. with outdated hardware and a toy computer graphics card.

Why not stop flaming and by a windows PC...well very simple, Apple has allot of pro's Hi-jacked, since lots of professionals invest lots of money in "legal" Mac software and type library's that coast more than 2 Mac Pro's.

So there really is not that much of an option now is there, you either throw your (in my case) 10000$+ investment overboard, or get robbed by Apple because its there way of doing bussines.

i need it now, but i won't buy it...i can't wait, but i'm forced to wait.

If you won't buy it now then, clearly, you do not need it now.

No-one is forcing you to do anything. Wait if you don't need it, buy if you do. The logic is not that hard to grasp. :rolleyes:

And the idea that Apple is robbing people because it hasn't yet updated one of their least popular products is absurd.

The people bearing resentment for what they believe is Apple's more consumer led product direction away from the Pro product lines need to understand that the income from the former is keeping the latter alive. Imagine where Apple would be now without the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. In dire straights if not dead is where it would be. They saved Apple and therefore saved the high-end desktops and towers.

The Pro and consumer products are now like Siamese twins - kill one and the other would die shortly thereafter.

[the editor]

If you won't buy it now then, clearly, you do not need it now.

No-one is forcing you to do anything. Wait if you don't need it, buy if you do. The logic is not that hard to grasp. :rolleyes:

And the idea that Apple is robbing people because it hasn't yet updated one of their least popular products is absurd.

The people bearing resentment for what they believe is Apple's more consumer led product direction away from the Pro product lines need to understand that the income from the former is keeping the latter alive. Imagine where Apple would be now without the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. In dire straights if not dead is where it would be. They saved Apple and therefore saved the high-end desktops and towers.

The Pro and consumer products are now like Siamese twins - kill one and the other would die shortly thereafter.

now how the ****** would you know if i do or do not need it now? Maybe you have a problem with reading, as i said i do need a much faster system at the moment. but i guess you're one of those guys who just hapen to know what others need, and when they need it wright?

I simply refuse to be a sucker and buy the current rip-off system or better, upgrade from the 2.26 (x2) quad xeon to the 2x 2.93 quad xeon and pay 2340Euro's extra (!!!!) and thats without replacing the current 60$ graphics cards.

i could give less about where Apple would or would not be with or without the Iphone and Ipad crap. All i care about is how i'm treated as a customer.
For now, Apple is a company that rips of people by claiming the 2009 outdated system is still "the latest and greatest out there". Charging a ridiculous amount of money for a system they claim to be a "PRO" machine when in reality its just a descent system by today's standards, only the price probably makes the Mac Pro the baddest choice you could possible make when buying a today's computer.

[snberk103]

@ the editor

Its a free market, and how a free market works is.... you buy from company when you think they offer value for money, and you don't buy from them when you believe they don't. If others are buying from that company when you aren't, then it just means that they see value where you don't.

No one is making you pay anything to Apple.

[Most professionals, who plan on staying in business for the long term] don't buy computers, they buy solutions to problems. You buy something to increase profits.

By your logic, even if Apple announced it's upgrades they would be ripping you off if your system died a month before the new upgrade, and Apple refused to sell you the new system because you needed it.

I have a friend who is waiting for the new Mac Pros. But he is an economist and understands these things, so he doesn't take it personally. But - admittedly - he is getting a bit impatient.

[Zedcars]

now how the ****** would you know if i do or do not need it now? Maybe you have a problem with reading, as i said i do need a much faster system at the moment. but i guess you're one of those guys who just hapen to know what others need, and when they need it wright?

I simply refuse to be a sucker and buy the current rip-off system or better, upgrade from the 2.26 (x2) quad xeon to the 2x 2.93 quad xeon and pay 2340Euro's extra (!!!!) and thats without replacing the current 60$ graphics cards.

i could give less about where Apple would or would not be with or without the Iphone and Ipad crap. All i care about is how i'm treated as a customer.
For now, Apple is a company that rips of people by claiming the 2009 outdated system is still "the latest and greatest out there". Charging a ridiculous amount of money for a system they claim to be a "PRO" machine when in reality its just a descent system by today's standards, only the price probably makes the Mac Pro the baddest choice you could possible make when buying a today's computer.

You are the one who told me that you do not need it now in your previous post by stating that you were not prepared to pay for today's MacPro. Ergo you do not need it to do whatever it is you want to do with it. I think perhaps you have a problem reading and understanding your own posts.

Look, I'm not trying to get into a verbal tussle with you. I'm just pointing out the logic here. Some professionals that use Macs may have a real financial need to purchase a (unrefreshed) Mac Pro today for any number of reasons (upgrading, unrepairable machine, for a competitive edge, tight deadlines etc). The fact that you are not willing to buy one because you are holding out for new models means that you do not have this need, or requirement, or necessity. Your current system will do to tide you over until the new models come out. That must be the case or you would have upgraded already.

[the editor]

@ the editor

Its a free market, and how a free market works is.... you buy from company when you think they offer value for money, and you don't buy from them when you believe they don't. If others are buying from that company when you aren't, then it just means that they see value where you don't.

No one is making you pay anything to Apple.

Professionals don't buy computers, they buy solutions to problems. You buy something to increase profits.

By your logic, even if Apple announced it's upgrades they would be ripping you off if your system died a month before the new upgrade, and Apple refused to sell you the new system because you needed it.

I have a friend who is waiting for the new Mac Pros. But he is an economist and understands these things, so he doesn't take it personally. But - admittedly - he is getting a bit impatient.

what a load of crap...professionals buy when they need it, professionals by solutions not computers...professionals do this, professionals do that...

professionals are in the first place just human beings...some professionals might even buy 10 MacPros just to have 10, just saying that there's all kinds of reasons why people buy stuff...some professionals buy because they need it,some because they think they need it... some because they like it, some because they are fan-boys...and the list goes on...if its your money you can do whatever you want with it, whenever you want pro or amateur.

[snberk103]

what a load of crap...professionals buy when they need it, professionals by solutions not computers...professionals do this, professionals do that...

professionals are in the first place just human beings...some professionals might even buy 10 MacPros just to have 10, just saying that there's all kinds of reasons why people buy stuff...some professionals buy because they need it,some because they think they need it... some because they like it, some because they are fan-boys...and the list goes on...if its your money you can do whatever you want with it, whenever you want pro or amateur.

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. I don't have to agree. I was talking about the majority of the group. Perhaps I will modify the statement slightly.

[Cavepainter]

First off, you need to just relax. Go take a warm bath or something to calm down.

Second, more focused on this quote, the MBA is actually ranked lower on their top sellers. So if you are saying that the MP is the only one that hasn't been looked at in a long time, think again.

Also, has the thought that maybe the reason Apple is taking so long is because it's not ready yet, or is that too much for you?

OK, so we just got out of the Jacuzzi. I appreciate the suggestion. :D

I'm not sure. I'd like to hope as much, but the Mac Pro isn't as much for the consumer market. If iMacs and iPhones and MacBooks sell much more, they will likely neglect the Mac Pro. Apple does seem to be moving more towards consumer fluff - and away from niche customers that have supported them for years...


So, back on topic, my only point was, Thermodynamic's post was not unreasonable or baseless at all. I won't speak for him, but apparently, he's simply looking at what he sees, and what we have seen is a powerful computer go from a great deal to to a poor deal. Thats not baseless. Thats reality.

I stand corrected on the MBA product line update. Its pretty stale too. However, that is not a flagship product that is designed to be a premium solution in speed, power and reliability for the professional user. We should, as consumers, expect a more aggressive update cycle for those premium products. Thats why we are paying a huge mark-up. To get a very powerful "solution" on the front end of its life span that will remain competitive for a longer period of time.

And yes, we do understand that the new product may not be market ready. Fine. THEN REDUCE THE PRICE ON THE OLD ONE. Is that too much to grasp?

The argument put forth on this website repeatedly is "well, they typically haven't done it in the past" is a feeble argument and would be expected coming from an Apple store employee, not coming from a prosumer who wants actual value for their money.

I'd be willing to bet that the majority of Mac Pro buyers that are unhappy with the way the Mac Pro market appears (notice I said "appears", not "is") to be going right now would be more than happy to buy a brand new Pro right now, as a short- or medium term solution, if Apple dropped the price to a more realistic number.

Why is that so unreasonable to ask?

[bzollinger]

OK, so we just got out of the Jacuzzi. I appreciate the suggestion. :D




So, back on topic, my only point was, Thermodynamic's post was not unreasonable or baseless at all. I won't speak for him, but apparently, he's simply looking at what he sees, and what we have seen is a powerful computer go from a great deal to to a poor deal. Thats not baseless. Thats reality.

I stand corrected on the MBA product line update. Its pretty stale too. However, that is not a flagship product that is designed to be a premium solution in speed, power and reliability for the professional user. We should, as consumers, expect a more aggressive update cycle for those premium products. Thats why we are paying a huge mark-up. To get a very powerful "solution" on the front end of its life span that will remain competitive for a longer period of time.

And yes, we do understand that the new product may not be market ready. Fine. THEN REDUCE THE PRICE ON THE OLD ONE. Is that too much to grasp?

The argument put forth on this website repeatedly is "well, they typically haven't done it in the past" is a feeble argument and would be expected coming from an Apple store employee, not coming from a prosumer who wants actual value for their money.

I'd be willing to bet that the majority of Mac Pro buyers that are unhappy with the way the Mac Pro market appears (notice I said "appears", not "is") to be going right now would be more than happy to buy a brand new Pro right now, as a short- or medium term solution, if Apple dropped the price to a more realistic number.

Why is that so unreasonable to ask?

I agree that they should either reduce the price of the current machine to reflect the costs of the component used, or they should update the base components to something more reasonable, like 4-6 GB or RAM, a better video card and a 1TB drive.

It's where these components costs have plummeted and Apple keeps charging for them like they are cutting edge. WTF :apple:?

[snberk103]

...
And yes, we do understand that the new product may not be market ready. Fine. THEN REDUCE THE PRICE ON THE OLD ONE. Is that too much to grasp?

... if Apple dropped the price to a more realistic number.

Why is that so unreasonable to ask?

I agree that they should either reduce the price of the current machine to reflect the costs of the component used, or they should update the base components to something more reasonable, like 4-6 GB or RAM, a better video card and a 1TB drive.

It's where these components costs have plummeted and Apple keeps charging for them like they are cutting edge. WTF :apple:?

Or, perhaps its because that despite all the, um, outcry's of unhappiness Mac Pro sales are still strong? Since Apple doesn't share those figures we are guessing.... but I'm sure one or two Apple execs may have completed a business course or two. :rolleyes:

The price of anything is not what it costs to make it, but what people will buy it for. Period. If the company makes money, then you assume they know how to price their product. If they go broke, then they don't.

All we know for a fact is that some people on this thread find the value of the current Mac Pro less than what Apple is charging. That is the free market in action. Cheers and all.

[jrlcopy]

I'm curious how many of these Mac Pro buyers are just using a stock 7200rpm hard drive.

The hard drive is the limiting factor in all of these machines. Now if everyone was complaining, My Mac Pro isn't taking advantage of my renderfarm hooked up over SAS, Fiber, or whatever, it is just tooo slow!!! Then you'd have a more valid argument.

But compare the prices to the Z800's on HP's side, their prices haven't dropped all that much since they came out either. They just have better graphics card options though. :)

[Cavepainter]

Or, perhaps its because that despite all the, um, outcry's of unhappiness Mac Pro sales are still strong? Since Apple doesn't share those figures we are guessing.... but I'm sure one or two Apple execs may have completed a business course or two. :rolleyes:

Are they selling well? I guess thats the big question. I see where you're going with this- and you're right, its all about supply and demand. The price stays up as long as the demand is there. And if they can keep selling em at high margin prices, that makes the bean counters happy, and fills the needs of the market. But the question is, how do we know if the lack of updates may actually be because they're NOT selling well anymore? I don't think those MBA Apple execs would be willing to invest truckloads more money on a product that may actually be underperforming in a market niche that they have a decreased amount of interest in. When was the last time Steve Jobs gushed or even spoke about the Mac Pro? I guess we look at where the money is being spent now... iphones, ipads, and more portable, consumer-oriented macs. Thats what SJ is "insanely" excited about.

Look, all I can speak from is my personal experience, and from studios I've been involved with. Honestly, I do not know of one person who has bought a new Mac Pro in the last year or so. This studio is chock full of @60 imacs, and the last place I was at had older Mac Pros. I know a handful of mac fans that need or needed one, and the popular solution has been to either keep your original setup on life support waiting for the new model, buy a Pro on the used market like the Refurb store, or spring for a nice i7 27". Again this is my personal experience.

[snberk103]

@ Cavepainter

The good news is that Apple have not announced the end of the Mac Pro line. I think they would need to announce a product EOL simply because it's something that could materially affect their stock price. (I'm just guessing here, admittedly - perhaps someone who understands stock market rules could chime in - but especially in the US there seem to very strict rules when it comes to announcing changes that investors need to know in order to make decisions.)

Apple will also have certain obligations to institutional buyers, I'm thinking, and that telling them that a product is EOLed should be one of them.

I suspect any new Mac Pros will be announced in the fall. Schools and (and some students) will be buying up the old stock as they get ready for the school year.

I had one other thought. We don't know what prices Apple is offering institutional buyers. They may not have dropped their retail store prices, but what kind of volume discounts are they offering schools and other mass buyers? If you know the IT person at a studio with old Mac Pros, get them to request a quote to replace them. The response from Apple will tell you a lot more than what you will get in this thread! And, do pass on the news - eh?

[Cavepainter]

@ snberk103

Not a bad idea. I'll see if our IT guy will look into it. I would doubt Apple would tip their hand at all, but you never know.... companies usually will work harder for their larger clients. But i'd venture a guess that would only happen if you were planning on buying workstations in the hundreds or more.........