I guess this is what I get for revealing my age on forums.
From now on, I am as ageless as time....or the ever enigmatic
nanofrog
The MP's (content creation) was their business model at the time. Then the devices started, and Apple shifted their model (i.e. follow the money).
To make a computer you have to rely on technology being created by other companies. Those companies have to research, develop, and produce the technology so that the computer companies can utilize it.
In the case of the MP and XServes, it's on Intel's schedule. The issue at this point though, is the parts are available (nor does it require a complete re-design to make them work either; very little work comparitively speaking in terms of validation).
If Apple can not get the processors they need due to a shortage (which is happening now) then they can't release the product. So, people in the "pro" industry need to be aware of that and adjust accordingly.
It depends on how they buy them. There's no shortage for Direct Sales. The article/s on Gulftown shortages was for the Distributor Channels (companies that're buying too few parts to buy directly from Intel). Apple buys directly, so it wasn't applicable.
2009 Mac Pro's are not as reliable as 2008 Mac Pro's, hence the need for a "quick" update; i decided to skip the 2009's, that's why i'm waiting for the 2010. If YOU like PC's, go buy one.
Keep in mind however, the 2010 systems won't be that different (same boards with new CPU's). Intel designs thier cycles that way as a means of reducing development costs.
So the problems that exist in the '09's will follow in the 2010 systems, unless Apple addresses them directly (i.e. fix any QC issues or bugs that may yet exist). New ones
*could* actually occur as well.
Except for minor bumps there isn't anything on the CPU side until Q3 2011.
Exactly. The Gulftowns are meant as a drop-in replacement in terms of hardware (though the firmware will need adaptation to allow them to work).
But it's not a new PCB design, socket, accompanying chipset, ... as it was going from Harpertown to Nehalem.
I forget when Gulftown came out...
March 16, 2010.
Where did you find these?
And where is the Mini?
Or did you make them as an illustrative means?
I ask, as I've never been able to find a detailed product breakdown for the desktop systems.
you seriously get faster render times from an imac?
Assuming that there's no issues with bottlenecks (RAM or disk throughput), it's possible, as the iMac is the same core architecture* @ 2.8GHz, vs. 2.66GHz in a base '09 Quad (*meaning the exclusion of interconnects and the differences in channel count in the memory controller).
It's not a drastic increase in the clock, but it would be faster.
Well, life isn't fair. But the value of a Mac Pro right now isn't 'fair.'
I wouldn't use the word "fair" at all, but for most, the sentiment that the value has vanished would ring home. But it's dependent on your POV.
If there's a contract in hand for example, the current system would allow a user to complete it on time, and earn a profit. So buying in such a case makes financial sense.
For independents, enthusiasts, students,... that are on limited budgets, can't upgrade on fixed MTBR cycles,..., however, it's a far less attractive proposition right now.
POV due to the specific situation, truly does make all the difference.
