Mac Pro To Get Dual Optical Drive Slots?

[Evangelion]

Not so fast. If you go back the past 9-12 months, AppleInsider has been pretty dead-on with their rumors.

Well, if these rumors are correct, and those are the specs of the MacPro, then Apple has officially lost it. With those specs, I would expect the prices to be about $1499 - $2499, not $1799 - $3299.

And X1600? An year-old GPU in Apple's top-of-the-line machine? Did I just enter Retard Village? X1800 is faster, but it too is a year-old GPU!

If Apple wants good graphics, they should offer NVIDIA 7xxx-series, with NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2 as BTO.

 

[Squire]

...but we all know apple likes to lead the charge in revolution so i wouldn't put it past them to try to take the lead in the computing world again.

I should note here that you're referring to the choice of optical drives but, be that as it may, you're right, and they should take the charge. Well, it wouldn't so much be "taking the charge" but "reacting to market demands."

No. It might be that pricewise, but it's not that spec-wise. Some people don't want a built-in monitor, some people want an expandable computer. In that case, iMac is definitely not suitable. And neither is Mac Mini, since it's not expandable. And people who want such a system might want something beefier than Yonah/Merom and GMA (in Mac Mini).

Thank you for the succinct summary, Evangelion.

This [having an additional monitor] is exactly my situation. I bought an iMac 17" and have it sitting next to my 20" DVI connected monitor. Nor am I the only one I know with this arrangement. Why would you think this "silly?" Maybe you don't have any imagination?

Good for you, mambodancer. And congratulations on being the exception to the rule. But let me ask you this: Are you going to replace that beautiful iMac with another iMac? Ever wanted to dabble with the innards of the machine? How many external hard drives are you willing to buy?

What else is NOT there? You have BT, FW, USB, good GPU, Audio and Video ports...apart from a TINY FEW specialized boards (which should be used by MacPro target users anyway), I don't see any rationale for a weaker Mini Tower, even though I continue to see a band of supporters for such idea in this forum.

The simple fact of the matter is that many iMac owners "outgrow" their systems...and the display lives on. If you "outgrow" an iMac, you would think that the obvious step is to jump to a (rumored) Mac Pro. However, the jump-- both spec-wise and price-wise-- is inhibitive.

A Mini Tower is the modern equivalent of a Cube...release a cheapo lower-end MacPro and you are set to go...no need for a MT whatsoever, despite the moans of a few select MR users, or nostalgic hobbyists of the past.

It most certainly is not. While I have never attempted it, upgrading a Cube was not a task for amateurs. The Cube was, for lack of a better designation, a Mac mini with balls. Again, where do former iMac owners have to turn? (Considering the sales of iMacs-- all iMacs, past and present-- one might think that this is a worthy group of consumers.)

absolutely not. lol i haven't defeated anything.
apple's stock has been riding hi and LOW because of the ipod line. anybody who follows apple knows and understands that. nothing else they do impacts their stock price more than the ipod. market expectations want new ipods...especially the video kind and other companies are launching their own brand of portable music players. therefore, apple's market share is destined to fall somewhat. i hope it doesn't, but i can't see them maintaining their huge grasp in the long run. no one dominates that badly *unless your name is microsoft and you screw everyone into buying your stuff lol

I'm glad you're not managing my finances.

Ok, hopefully they will release a "low-end" $1499 version of the MacPro (using the same tower - but a single dual core Conroe) to fill this niche/gap in the line? If I want a future upgradable computer and I have an existing display, but my budget isn't $2000+, what can I do?

YES!! Nobody's asking for special attention here. Just give us a (perceived) lower-end tower (preferably one that's affordable and Conroe-based) and everyone will be happy.

-Squire

 

[Multimedia]

$1050 For Panasonic Blu-ray SW-5582 + $47 per 25GB Single Layer Blank

The Panasonic (Matsushita) SW-5582 is out now and burns CDs at 24x, burns DVDs at 8x.

Perfect. Only $1050 And the 25GB blanks are only $47.

Vs. $1.08 for 6 SL or $4.50 for 3 DL blanks.

Let's see, 18¢ for 4.3GB or $7 for 4.3 GB on a Blu-ray disc. Gee I'll have to think a long time about how much more having it all on one piece of $47 media instead of on 6 pieces that cost $1.08 is really worth it. That's a real hard difference to rationalize unless you are very wealthy and earning hundreds of dollars an hour.

But I'm glad to see that it is possible for those among us who can afford it to proceed to bet on that horse. Meanwhile there are just as many here who think HD-DVD will prevail. So we've got ourselves a pretty sticky waiting game - looks to me like.

I guess those two optical slots will be for one of each for only about an extra $1500 - I read a post here that said HD-DVD drives are only about $500. Such a deal.

Just picked up a 16x Pioneer DVR-710 for $50 at Fry's Thursday. The 16x SL 4.38 GB blanks are 18¢ each. I think I can live with these until the 8x DL 8.5 GB blanks are 36¢ each - currently about $1.50.

 

[Keebler]

heh you entire argument using the stock price and dell are poor at best. Just because dell failed doesnt mean the idea is not good.

if you want to go on that argument apple should NEVER of made the iPod because Harddrive based MP3 players had flop several times before hand and yet the iPod did really well......

Apple stock is tanking because it was over valued and blaming it on the iPod is weak at best. It was over valued so it going to tank. Also all the tech market stock is dropping right now. The entire industry stock is tanking.
i must be nuts b/c didn't i mention the entire market is tanking? this is repetitive...

You understanding the the stock market and how it works is really poor. It mostly runs on profic prediction debt load and things like that. Dell idea people like it. Confusing at times but people really do like having that much freedrom of choice. Apple is the other extreme with very little freedom of choice unless you want to pay a huge preimuim for it.

lol timepass. i didn't realize that a few comments equals a test on how the stock market works watch next month when the announce mac pros and then wait for when the announce new ipod videos. the latter will have the biggest impact by far.

don't worry. i made my money off the stock market years ago. i let someone else manage my money these days so i wouldn't manage yours you're safe

 

[bradc]

I wonder if Apple does Focus Groups? I say that because then these ideas might be given more thought at Apple. I don't know who said it but one attractive thing about Apple is its lineups simplicity. Each product has a dedicated user group, so when someone goes to buy a Mac, they aren't overwhelmed. Go into Best Buy and there are soo many computers that do the same thing I can see it could be overwhelming to decide what you need. So as many of you suggested, it looks like the only gap is that new 'mini-tower' for people who want/need the requirements of an iMac but already have a monitor and might like to upgrade things.

So who knows? It will be really interesting to see what happens besides the "Mac Pro's". I personally think that this new 'mini-tower' would create more buzz than the MacPro?

 

[Multimedia]

I Agree A Mid-Range Expandable "Mac Amateur" Would Round Out The Line

I wonder if Apple does Focus Groups? I say that because then these ideas might be given more thought at Apple. I don't know who said it but one attractive thing about Apple is its lineups simplicity. Each product has a dedicated user group, so when someone goes to buy a Mac, they aren't overwhelmed. Go into Best Buy and there are soo many computers that do the same thing I can see it could be overwhelming to decide what you need. So as many of you suggested, it looks like the only gap is that new 'mini-tower' for people who want/need the requirements of an iMac but already have a monitor and might like to upgrade things.

So who knows? It will be really interesting to see what happens besides the "Mac Pro's". I personally think that this new 'mini-tower' would create more buzz than the MacPro?

Yes, I'm also in favor of such an expansion of the line with Conroe Inside. I would want it to have at least 3 PCIe slots so multiple displays and external SATA would not be difficult to add on.

 

[DHagan4755]

Well, if these rumors are correct, and those are the specs of the MacPro, then Apple has officially lost it.

I said that they didn't put much faith into those specs because they were from a questionable source, but have faith in the dual optical drives and modified Power Mac G5 case. Re-read the article:

Contrary to published reports, Apple Computer does not plan to introduce new enclosures alongside its first Intel-based Mac Pro desktops and will instead employ only slightly modified Power Mac G5 casings, AppleInsider has learned.

The current Power Mac G5 enclosure -- first detailed by AppleInsider back in June of 2003 -- is believed to be well suited for Apple's first Intel-based professional desktops due to the similarities in size and shape between the new Mac Pro logic-board and the one presently shipping in the Power Mac G5.

People familiar with plans for the next-generation Apple desktops say there appear to be only a couple of cosmetic differences between the Mac Pro and Power Mac G5 casings, specifically the addition of a second optical disc drive slot on the face of the Mac Pro.

In a move that is somewhat reminiscent of recent Windows PC designs, Apple also appears to have relocated the computer's power supply from the base of the unit up towards the top, those same people say.

The additional optical disc drive slot and bay are likely to ship empty in the first Mac Pros, which will allow users to adopt emerging but pricey high-definition DVD drive standards, such as Blu-ray and HD-DVD, at their discretion.

Artist rendition of Apple's forthcoming Mac Pro desktops, click for larger image.

Sources previously reported that Apple has chosen Intel's relatively new dual-core Xeon 5100 (Woodcrest) series of processors to power the next-generation desktops, and that models will be available in both single and dual processor configurations.

Since AppleInsider's report on the subject, an unauthenticated Mac Pro product specifications sheet has been making the rounds, indicating that Apple may forgo inclusion of Intel's 3.0GHz Xeon 5160 chip in its three Mac Pro standard configurations.

Rumored but unconfirmed Mac Pro specs, click for larger image.

The spec sheet, which was sent to several other Mac news sites, is being posted by AppleInsider purely for speculative purposes. Of interest, it suggests that Apple will return to using graphics chips from ATI Technologies within its professional Mac desktops, similar to a move the company made with the Intel-based iMac and MacBook Pro.

I agree that the speculation on those specs is absurd. They should be $1499 - $2499, not $1799 - $3299 with better graphics card options, etc.

 

[svenas1]

They could be locked. Most swappable HD's I have seen have a lock in 'em.

Good to know, I don't come across these machines much.

Well, if you have local access to the computer, you can basically do whatever you wish. If the HD's are in the inside of the computer, stealing them takes maybe 1-2 minutes longer than it would take to steal a hot-swappable HD.

Rule of thumb: If the criminal has local access to the computer, it's all over,

You're right, stealing a HD isn't a major job. I guess in a home setting it's mainly mischief, and an invitation to swap drives or simply diddle with them that might put people off.

 

[nsknike]

If the Quad where to go for $2499, I would buy one the second the it was available. No questions asked.

 

[ampd]

I kind of hope they still offer Nvidia GPUs. I'm not to fond of ATI...

 

[Timepass]

lol timepass. i didn't realize that a few comments equals a test on how the stock market works watch next month when the announce mac pros and then wait for when the announce new ipod videos. the latter will have the biggest impact by far.

don't worry. i made my money off the stock market years ago. i let someone else manage my money these days so i wouldn't manage yours you're safe

what ever. It doesnt change the fact you are basing you entire argument off of being a bad idea because dell stock started to tank.

I just point to my iPod example and as example of an idea that others had failed at that apple seem to do really well with.
If we went by your logic apple should never of invested in the iPod because at the time others had failed at it so from that point it must be a bad idea to do.

 

[Silentwave]

I agree that the speculation on those specs is absurd. They should be $1499 - $2499, not $1799 - $3299 with better graphics card options, etc.

Then you haven't been paying any attention to the real costs involved. Go price an equivalent system for $1499. I dare you.

 

[psycho bob]

For the next year PPC is still on solid ground as Photoshop is no quicker on these Intel dual machines as it is on G4's. By the time CS3 appears we will have at least quad core chips at which point all Mac Pro's become really interesting.

Sticking with ATI strikes me as odd, they make great utilities but they have supply issues and whilst good at maximising older technology NVIDIA seem to have the edge at the moment thanks to the likes of the 7950 GX2. If Apple do not offer a range of these at minimum as BTO options the move to Intel will not represent the ground breaking future thinking move it could have been. By offering such a poor selection of GPU's no one wins, if Apple could engineer there machines to accept PC flashed cards it would represent a major move and provide a lot of added impetus for professionals and gamers to buy there top offerings. It costs Apple nothing as they don't sell third party cards (bar the 6600GT) themselves anyway. It shouldn't be that hard for the individual companies to provide drivers, ATI write there own anyway and I'm sure NVIDIA would be only too keen to open up another revenue source.

In answer to somebodies point above I doubt Apple will, themselves, ever endorse DIY processor improvements but after a few years it could well be worth it for an individual to carry them out warranty or not. As it stands most Apple machines have become outdated, in respect to Apple software, because of the graphics card. Unless the availability of after market GPU's changes the rest of the hardware becomes something of a mute point especially when you consider the majority of computing breakthroughs are now taking place in that arena; physics, video decoding, sound processing, OS effects etc etc. Still be nice to wack a new CPU in though every few years (until the socket changes or they block the upgrade path with another advancement) to maximise your original investment.

Of the line up proposed here the base model with a GPU upgrade offers the best buy, it is reasonably cheap and if you can whack in a quad core chip a few months down the line why pay an extra £/$1K+ for a quad now. Of course buy a quad now and you could have eight cores running in the same time frame but then we are waiting for the software to catch up. A personally can only multitask so much... unless your a woman A big boon for musicians and 3D specialists I guess though.

 

[trogdor!]

I kind of hope they still offer Nvidia GPUs. I'm not to fond of ATI...

Yah, I would like more Nvidia options also, but I do have to ask..... what on earth is taking apple and nvidia so freaking LONG to support rotation. Sure, it works with ATI cards, but when for nvidia..........when???

 

[Multimedia]

Only 8 Months To An All Quad Line With Dual Quad On Top - 8 Cores

If the Quad where to go for $2499, I would buy one the second the it was available. No questions asked.

In 8 months your dream will come true. NK Refurb Quad G5 is already only $2799 since February.

Top will have 8 cores in 8 months.

 

[mk_in_mke]

The specs are too ridiculous to be true

I doubt it that Apple would shoot so low for the high end users. Granted the intel-based CPU would boost the machine performance, but a 2.6 Hhz, even a dual dual core would be too low... An impact has to be made to position the product as the best computer money can buy...

I am guessing that the rumor Dual 3Ghz is true however...

320 GB HD?..; They will go with 2 x 500 Gb for the high end....I checked the specs of the ATI card..; they look impressive...

I Just bought Shake: now I have the FULL suite of Pro apps and I just need the machine.... he he he: come here, come true SUPER Mac Pro!!! What else do you think should be in the machine... Serious answers only....

Take care guys... I am currently training: how to get my Visa out of the wallet in less than 10 secondes to buy the mac pro ... The high-end one, I mean

 

[ampd]

I doubt it that Apple would shoot so low for the high end users. Granted the intel-based CPU would boost the machine performance, but a 2.6 Hhz, even a dual dual core would be too low... An impact has to be made to position the product as the best computer money can buy...

I am guessing that the rumor Dual 3Ghz is true however...

320 GB HD?..; They will go with 2 x 500 Gb for the high end....I checked the specs of the ATI card..; they look impressive...

I Just bought Shake: now I have the FULL suite of Pro apps and I just need the machine.... he he he: come here, come true SUPER Mac Pro!!! What else do you think should be in the machine... Serious answers only....

Take care guys... I am currently training: how to get my Visa out of the wallet in less than 10 secondes to buy the mac pro ... The high-end one, I mean

Or maybe even multiple 750gb seagates.

 

[Keebler]

what ever. It doesnt change the fact you are basing you entire argument off of being a bad idea because dell stock started to tank.

I just point to my iPod example and as example of an idea that others had failed at that apple seem to do really well with.
If we went by your logic apple should never of invested in the iPod because at the time others had failed at it so from that point it must be a bad idea to do.

actually, ya.. i meant to ask you: what other mp3 players were out there before apple really boomed with it? i know of the archos line, but others? do you have examples to back your point?

i still don't think my point is a bad idea...look at how bloody confusing it is to buy from them and what the final price would be...different configurations. tons of rebates = nuts. no wonder their sales # went down.

my argument is my opinion..that's all. obviously you don't like it, but that's fine...free country. it's not like we're writing an official company based policy or anything important.

all i know, is that in the end, i hope apple keeps rocking and producing great products.

 

[Multimedia]

Perpendicular High Capacity HDs Are Still Unproven Tech

Or maybe even multiple 750gb seagates.

That perpendicular tech is still controversial and unproven long term reliable.

Agreed. I actually am using 3 750s in raid 5 at the moment. Thought I would give them a try. They do have the nice 5 year warranty though.

That's great. Never heard of Raid 5 before. What is it and how do you make it?

 

[ampd]

That perpendicular tech is still controversial and unproven long term reliable.

Agreed. I actually am using 3 750s in raid 5 at the moment. Thought I would give them a try. They do have the nice 5 year warranty though.

 

[SPUY767]

Ok, here's ANOTHER can of worms. Since we're on EFI now and can boot in Windows. It means our video cards, etc. don't have Open Firmware BIOS. Does that mean ANY "Windows" video card will work as long as OS X has drivers for it? Does OS X even have generic VGA drivers?

Yes, OSX Does. Without doing anything to the video drivers. I was able to run X on my Bastard Mac with a 7900GX2. Granted, I get no HW acceleration, but it does work.

 

[SPUY767]

Uhhhh Nero Burning ROM does , oops i forgot there is no Nero for Mac just plain TOAST..lol

I just love my Dual 16x NEC ND-3550A's ...burn baby burn.

Also if this is the Best Apple can do at these prices then they should have just went Conroe, These MacPros are going to get killed by $999 Mom and Pop's PC's from Gateway/HP/Dell.

512MB DDR2 on a $1799 PC in mid 2006 , you gotta be f**kin' kidding me. Jobs must really think you people are stupid.

man I guess I won't even have to OC my E6600 to cream that $2499 machine. This was a stupid move Apple. Pay more for Less.

Ahh the rare, white, speckle-footed troll. See how it gracelessly insults a product without anything to back up its ravings. Truly astonishing. Truly.

 

[SPUY767]

I agree, it wouldn't make sense. Might as well sell a new Lamborghini with a 1.8L 4-banger...

No no no, it's more like a 3.6 gallon gas tank. With a 13.6 Liter v16. <--- See Cadillac.

 

[SPUY767]

Actually that is a good point. Another good example is how some people install incorrect RAM into their Mac - they just pick up generic cheapo RAM, not Mac-certified, and wonder why they have all sorts of issues.

Bah, Any decent ram from a large manufacturer with proper CAS timings will work fine. I dumped 8 Gigs of ram into my G5 for just shy of $600.00. As long as you're not buying it from Quaing Xang Corp. And it doesn't come wrapped in water buffalo Hide, you will be fine. Oh, and it needs to be matched.

 

[Cowinacape]

Bah, Any decent ram from a large manufacturer with proper CAS timings will work fine. I dumped 8 Gigs of ram into my G5 for just shy of $600.00. As long as you're not buying it from Quaing Xang Corp. And it doesn't come wrapped in water buffalo Hide, you will be fine. Oh, and it needs to be matched.

Well crap, there goes all the new ram I just bought