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No Mac Pro: Not Fair
- Thread starter VirtuallyReal
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In early 2008 I believe there was a string of about 4 consecutive Tuesdays of small updates. That's the only one I can think of if you exclude the few updates that happened the week before an Apple event.
Understandable. Electronics with "Made in USA" are far and few between, especially for consumer products.I meant I don't have any USA made electronics in my house. It isn't by choice, that's for sure.
TV's, computer components (if not the final assembly as a system), household appliances (more and more are electronically controlled),... are all foreign made, usually in Asia, though it's picking up in India (i.e. some UPS's out now are of Indian manufacture).
In my area (Washington DC/Baltimore metro area), I actually see everyone you listed using laptops except for researchers (who may need massive power or are not allowed to take their computer home for privacy/security reasons).
This isn't a scientific fact, just what I've seen, so take with a big heaping spoonful of salt.
I can't speak for many companies, but the ones I've worked at or worked with have laptops that they bring to and from work, but connect to a larger display at work and home with an external keyboard and mouse.
I mean Apple is way ahead of the curve in the smart phone and tablet markets - a market share in which Apple dominates.
I totally, whole heartedly, and unequivocally agree!
As a producer of content (animation, some vfx when I'm lucky, web, some game development) That's why I'm so anxious for Apple to put out a balanced mac pro - a computer that competes on performance and price.Apple's high end, dual quad core machines are actually very competitive in price (minus the graphics cards), but the low end mac pro insults me a bit.
I see my college students spend hundreds of dollars on fancy phones and expensive monthly text/data plans, but they don't have a computer to run dreamweaver and photoshop for doing actual work. They rely on school labs instead. For shame!
I certainly hope work computers that you and I use don't get slower or dumber. Then again, Apple just released a $700 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 duo computer with no display, keyboard, or mouse!
I don't either, but the numbers don't lie. People are doing different work than I am. Laptops outsell iMacs and Mac Pros. And not just any laptops - the tiny 13 inchers (especially the plastic macbook) followed by the 15 inchers sell like hotcakes!
According to nielson ratings, internet anaylics, game (and game system) sales in the US, and the US rankings in schools compared to other nations, that is exactly what we are doing.
I'm probably jaded after teaching part time at a nearby college for 5 years, but it's also what I've seen in my students.
I hope not, too.
Masturbatory consumerism. People buy laptops because laptops are "cool".
I'd guess the overwhelming majority of people use 'em at the same desk every day.
I was lucky to break 40 cycles on my Macbook's battery in 2.5 years.
It's nice to be able to carry it around the house or use on the La-Z-Boy.
I've seen a lot of this actually.
Office personnel stating "I need a laptop..." and it just sits there on the desk, plugged in all the time. There are actual needs for it of course, such as field work, but it seems to me that those indicating they'll take it home and work on projects, usually don't (only if there's no other choice to make a deadline).
For personal models, I've a family member that immediately comes to mind, as she got a laptop just so she can sit and watch TV on the living room couch and browse during commercials.
BTW, there's a TV in the office where the desktop resides (still used by the kids). 
The future may lie in a workstation at home (for those who need it) and a tablet for the road.
I don't like laptops for their bad ergonomics. Sure, my first two Apples were laptops. But since I moved to "desktops" (we should get rid of this misnomer) I am not looking back.
All those people with laptops in coffee shops: how much work can you get done there? Laptops are advertised as "take your work anywhere" and picture someone relaxing on the lawn with an open laptop.
I don't like laptops for their bad ergonomics. Sure, my first two Apples were laptops. But since I moved to "desktops" (we should get rid of this misnomer) I am not looking back.
All those people with laptops in coffee shops: how much work can you get done there? Laptops are advertised as "take your work anywhere" and picture someone relaxing on the lawn with an open laptop.
Maybe tablets are the way to go if one wants to consume content. As far as getting work done on the road the iPad has much poorer ergonomics than a laptop IMHO. Unless you bring a separate keyboard dock typing is terrible. And the iPad keyboard dock does not allow for tilting the screen to lessen reflections. I'd much rather travel with a 13" MB or MBP.
A lot of people who work for big software companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple) are on large campuses with lush green lawns - it's not surprising to say that there are a lot of employees that sit around with their laptops doing their work
A lot of people who work for big software companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple) are on large campuses with lush green lawns - it's not surprising to say that there are a lot of employees that sit around with their laptops doing their work
People working out in the sunshine on a laptop with a shiny screen? Nah, half of 'em are just using it as a reflector to catch some extra rays.
I actually get a good deal of work done at the coffee shop/Starbucks/Panera Bread. More than in my home office since there's less distractions.
I agree with you on the basis that most users don't need Quad Core Xeon chips, while the dual core laptop ones are just fine for their tasks, even some occasional heavy lifting. So I see Apple making the right moves by building a desktop with laptop parts and leaving the higher end chips for the workstation all in one iMac and the Mac Pro.
I don't think too many people will just drop laptops for iPads, and I do see many people still just getting a laptop as a main computer and leaving it plugged in all the time (which is stupid I know) just to save space on their desk.
I REALLY doubt anyone with any ounce of work to produce will opt for an iPad to produce it on over a 13" 15" Macbook/Pro.
Then there are still those mobile workstation users . . . or in Apple's case the ones that just want a 15" prosumer machine with a bigger screen. For most of the shooters and cutters I know, making that step to the 17" hi res is a deal breaker against the 15", so there will still be a small market for even the pound heavier, inch wider 17" MBP on the mobile pro's ticket.
I agree that laptops will still be used by more demanding users.
Apple's laptops are really serious machines for work.
One thing I'm still missing are wide gamut displays. The windows world has it (I think it's made by Lenovo and its screen can display 100% of Adobe RGB).
Many photographers I know always take a laptop to location shoots to check on their images or show images to clients to have them sign off.
If someone needs a portable workstation, they can always plug in a better monitor and a keyboard at home and this way don't have to buy two computers. And a laptop is always very silent (at least I remember them silent).
I agree. I couldn't imagine actually working on an iPad.
Consuming content versus creating content - laptop versus tablet: I think you made a good observation here.
A lot of people who work for big software companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple) are on large campuses with lush green lawns - it's not surprising to say that there are a lot of employees that sit around with their laptops doing their work
All the better for them.
But I think the people who really do the work are locked up in the dungeons below the green, green grass.
The people you mentioned are probable extras or actors who pretend to work
Many companies say that's their goal, and then offer tools to make 30 flavors of crap. There are over 100 million myspace pages that are basically all alike.
I thought iTunes might liberate artists or something, but looking at the storefront is depressing: Eminem, Tom Petty, Oasis, and a list of banal Hollywood movies. Most are priced higher than the physical media at Best Buy. Not that I'd want them for free.
These companies want artists to produce alright - it's classic exploitation.
(Next, I will foolishly question our 2-party political system....)
Long awaited
I have been waiting a while now for the new mac pro. The only good that can come of it's delayed update will be some cutting edge tech hopefully. Can't wait.
I have been waiting a while now for the new mac pro. The only good that can come of it's delayed update will be some cutting edge tech hopefully. Can't wait.
"Cutting edge" and "Apple" shouldn't be used in the same context. That isn't their MO. Apple is into product integration and user interface.
For a second there, I thought the thread was finally going to get interesting and a tad messy.
Well, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today.
Yes, and then they take their computer home with them, or into a meeting, or on a trip or to a video shoot, etc. In my area, many people telecommute part of the week. Sometimes it's handy to take your computer with you. Other people have software that they do not own for personal use - the company pays for hardware and software.
I would assume this is why so many government employees get caught with porn on their computers. They use work computers as personal computers because they also take them home.
I know others still who have a desktop at home and a desktop at work, but really those friends of mine can get their work done from almost anywhere with internet access. They just log into various machines remotely. I don't do that, but I know it's common in some fields.
In that case, they don't need a laptop specifically, nor do they need a desktop specifically. Just access to a computer.
We have a guy that does "job sourcing" at our place for random intervals. He only comes into our office when we need him to do some web work. He shows up with a laptop with all tools he needs to do his work. We have a dedicated monitor for him when he is around, so he uses dual screens.
The next week, he goes to a different work site and takes his computer with him, much like a handyman brings his toolbox to job sites.
For a long time, desktops have been on the retreat.
In the shape of workstations, more powerful desktops, they will probably have a comeback.
A laptop has many advantages, but for a big workload I want a workstation.
I wonder what the iMac will become. There has been a rumor in September last year that it gets Xeon processors. (it didn't happen but it could happen at a later time)
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/2...ssible-xeon-new-mouse-and-remote-in-pipeline/
This would make the final step from the iMac being a kind of lowly computer to a computer that can handle big workloads.
All that would be required would be more screen options. (What about an iMac with a wide gamut display and a matte screen surface? These displays aren't that expensive any more).
The iMac would have transformed from a entry-level computer using laptop parts to a computer with full performance using desktop parts.
It doesn't have to have the latest generation processors that the Mac Pro uses. One generation back, and it would still be a big win.
The most recent rumors that said Apple wanted more gaming performance in its iMac line would probably point in this direction, too.
In the shape of workstations, more powerful desktops, they will probably have a comeback.
A laptop has many advantages, but for a big workload I want a workstation.
I wonder what the iMac will become. There has been a rumor in September last year that it gets Xeon processors. (it didn't happen but it could happen at a later time)
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/2...ssible-xeon-new-mouse-and-remote-in-pipeline/
This would make the final step from the iMac being a kind of lowly computer to a computer that can handle big workloads.
All that would be required would be more screen options. (What about an iMac with a wide gamut display and a matte screen surface? These displays aren't that expensive any more).
The iMac would have transformed from a entry-level computer using laptop parts to a computer with full performance using desktop parts.
It doesn't have to have the latest generation processors that the Mac Pro uses. One generation back, and it would still be a big win.
The most recent rumors that said Apple wanted more gaming performance in its iMac line would probably point in this direction, too.
This actually reminded me of that long winding rumor about custom computer docking iMac, where the display and chassis would remain stationary, but you could basically slot load an entirely different machine inside the chassis.
I think this sounds pretty cool to me.
The astronomical laptop sales are not due to enterprise/government clients, but rather the average Joes.
As it was said before, the majority of laptop users do not telecommute, or bring their "toolbox" with them to worksites. They are consumers who buy laptops based on popular trends or a desire to use the computer in the living room, not because of any actual need for mobility.
Most laptops are bought for the chance of mobility. Funny when they are needed for an actual mobile job, the battery craps out due to two years of constant charging
Well, it has kind of gotten to the point where the extra power of a desktop is unnecessary to the average Joe, and it's not like they're paying a whole lot of extra for the convenience of mobility. It's not like this is a flat out "laptops are on the rise, desktops are going down" trend. Laptops caught up to desktops in terms of practical use and reliability, so average users started opting out of saving a few hundred dollars for something that they use every single day for years.
But there are professional users that need the power more than they need mobility, and that will always be the case. As time goes on, mobile devices will become more and more powerful, and they will start to take over for tasks that used to be limited strictly to powerhouse desktops. Pros will want mobility where it is a possibility.
The question is: do you really think Apple lacks foresight to the point that they drop the Mac Pro, thus creating an entire generation of pros in industries that cannot use OSX and thus wont be switching over to Apple's mobile pro devices of the future? I'm no expert, but that seems absolutely ridiculous.
But there are professional users that need the power more than they need mobility, and that will always be the case. As time goes on, mobile devices will become more and more powerful, and they will start to take over for tasks that used to be limited strictly to powerhouse desktops. Pros will want mobility where it is a possibility.
The question is: do you really think Apple lacks foresight to the point that they drop the Mac Pro, thus creating an entire generation of pros in industries that cannot use OSX and thus wont be switching over to Apple's mobile pro devices of the future? I'm no expert, but that seems absolutely ridiculous.