But now.... what is left that will make a mass of people's computing experiences better? Will more PCI slots do it? (Note: Think Masses, not specialists) Will USB3 drive the next revolution? Will millions of people ooh and aww over Blueray?
As a specialist I don't give a rat's ass what masses want or need!
Can someone please explain, why we always have to be thinking like a bloody Apple shareholder, even when we make our living with something else than stocks?
The only tools people should worry about, are the ones helping them improving THEIR work.
I guess when you have to undergo surgery, you'll certainly hope that your surgeon (even specialists sometimes come pretty handy...) will perform it with the best and most precise tools available, not just a kitchen knife. Although the latter certainly has much more mass appeal than surgeon steel...
If a company starts neglecting their high-end product line, which in most cases also works as an experimenting field for expensive new technology, your middle class and standard model line will sooner or later suffer as well.
The Mac Pro department is comparable with the racing department of a car manufacturer.
To the average car driver, racing seems like a pretty useless sport. But they easily forget that it was more often than not racing experience which lead to better car technology, i.e. more engine power, better brakes, better suspension, etc. All valuable and sometimes even lifesaving advantages we certainly appreciate in our everyday cars!
A company only thinking about mass appeal and "good enough", in the long run won't be able to push innovation above mediocrity.
Those who are pushing the envelope only do so, because they have the urge to go faster, to do better and to perform things above average. Often things the masses wouldn't even dream of, because they are followers, not leaders.
That's why Apple still NEEDS his Mac Pro line to be leading and cutting edge!