What kind of
creative pro do you have in mind when you describe this new concept for
workstations ?
You need a traditional case, with lots of ports, for professional video, photo, audio, post-processing/editing all of them .
What you have to keep in mind, is that Apple dictates to their customers, not listen to, and provide a solution.
So it seems that in their outlook, external devices strewn all over the desk space (physical), is acceptable if the system looks pretty out of the box, and makes them nice fat margins.
The ICH will still provide SATA, USB, and Ethernet controllers (once LP's out, they're probably going to dump FW, and expect users to use a bridge device if needed).
Not all that different in terms of what can be connected, except the fact add-ons will all be external. Messy (and possibly inconvenient if things have to be plugged in/unplugged, ...), but functional as Apple would see it.
Please don't take the impression I think trying to use an iMac or Mini as a workstation is a wonderful change in the world of computing (not my idea of a proper workstation at all).
But it would seem to fit Apple's thinking (Steve Jobs and likely Jony Ives as well).
As for costs, I doubt things would get cheaper - there never is a one size fits all solution in this area, and besides - saving a few ks on just your basic computer isn't going to impress anyone , the main investments are elsewhere .
I meant in terms of Apple. It's cheaper for them, not the user (R&D, software development, more units sold = lower total production cost per system). The cost savings will become an increase in profit margin.
(Backwards) compatibility is paramount, so is flexibility; every 3rd party hardware (and eventually software) developer would have to move to the new technologies, users replace lots of equipment, whole industries change workflows, including countless small contractors - rrrrright.
They'll expect users to get external devices (i.e. PCIe card enclosure + PCIe to LP bridge and possibly an LP switch if there's other devices on one LP port). Or swap things around when needed.
Seriously. I can really see this expectation on users (they can get to sell additional hardware if they want). And this is only if they continue to stay in the professional market at all.
As per software developers, they're not that accomodating from what I can see. Just look at the lovely relationship between Apple and Adobe for an idea as to how generous Apple really is.
Apple needs to go with the flow , like everyone else, for workstations, don't underestimate their pro costumers' dictate - they need evolution, and abhore revolution.
Look at their history. Customers have asked for all kinds of things; professional and consumer alike, but don't usually get it.
That's just they way they are. Dictatorial control freaks.
