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PowerMac G5 Upgrades Announced (Officially)
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Even Apple thinks the new upgrades are lame!
Even Apple is not too excited about the upgrades to the new power mac line-up. Look on the home page, only a little box giving a link to the new specs. Everything Apple does anymore is tied up to the i-pod! It has been on the homepage masthead since last October.
Apple should go back to its roots! Computers!
Even Apple is not too excited about the upgrades to the new power mac line-up. Look on the home page, only a little box giving a link to the new specs. Everything Apple does anymore is tied up to the i-pod! It has been on the homepage masthead since last October.
Apple should go back to its roots! Computers!
What I find extremely funny about all this is that the people complaining of the what they consider a "lack luster" update will be singing the same song 10 months from now when Apple does reach the dual core 3.0ghz mark.
This update is "only a 200mhz" speedbump, the next will only be 300 mhz.
When we do get dual core and pci-express, there will be somethin' else for them to complain about. -Where is bluetooth 3.0, why is standard ram still at 512MB, why don't they have blue-ray burners in the mac mini?
This update is "only a 200mhz" speedbump, the next will only be 300 mhz.
When we do get dual core and pci-express, there will be somethin' else for them to complain about. -Where is bluetooth 3.0, why is standard ram still at 512MB, why don't they have blue-ray burners in the mac mini?
ryan42 said:
I don't know where you read this, but the dual 2.5 isn't available anymore. it is 2.0 2.3 and 2.7, no more 2.5.
And people,the info pages on apple.com clearly mentions that the 2.7 is STILL liquid cooled. The others are air-cooled. They wouldn't use this cooling method again if they found it to be unreliable in any way.
martman said:
You are entitled to your opinion, but I trust my prediction is correct.
EDIT: The whole industry is moving slow as far as speed goes. Sure Intel and AMD announced, and I stress announced, dual core processors. They won't be available in great qty anytime soon. (I work for computer parts disti, direct with Intel and AMD)
In my rather short (3yr) relationship with Apple I have learned 1 thing. They keep secrets, they'll put dual cores out when they are ready, and not just announce it for a headline on C-net.
I'm not sure how much dual-core will help. Dual-core will ONLY help if Apple has all those pro-apps (think FCP/Pshop) optimized for 4 cores by the time they are released.
People are disappointed b/c there is:
1) No new technology. DVD burners are cheap, those don't count. I'm talking about chipset improvements. I'm thinking on-die memory controller. Anything, just surprise us. Clockspeed "bumps" (where the price-tag on that new investment does not constitute a SUBSTANTIAL increase in performance) aren't enough now, especially if they can't even back a ridiculous promise by SJ.
But to put it simply, a band-aid "upgrade" just doesn't cut it. Marketing has their hands tied (spin a .2Ghz bump since the last upgrade cycle). Engineering apparently is going no where.
2) Prices remain high.
If Apple had released something new, something spectacular than it would be nice. We already know that Apple cannot use the "lower prices" trick b/c they would lose alot on the profit margins. Thankfully, they DID reduce the LCD costs, but considering the 20 and 23" models are on LCD tech that is over a year old, they'd better.
People are disappointed b/c there is:
1) No new technology. DVD burners are cheap, those don't count. I'm talking about chipset improvements. I'm thinking on-die memory controller. Anything, just surprise us. Clockspeed "bumps" (where the price-tag on that new investment does not constitute a SUBSTANTIAL increase in performance) aren't enough now, especially if they can't even back a ridiculous promise by SJ.
But to put it simply, a band-aid "upgrade" just doesn't cut it. Marketing has their hands tied (spin a .2Ghz bump since the last upgrade cycle). Engineering apparently is going no where.
2) Prices remain high.
If Apple had released something new, something spectacular than it would be nice. We already know that Apple cannot use the "lower prices" trick b/c they would lose alot on the profit margins. Thankfully, they DID reduce the LCD costs, but considering the 20 and 23" models are on LCD tech that is over a year old, they'd better.
numediaman said:
i agree...before DL gets affordable blu-ray will be available. discs may cost 3 times more, but hey, it holds at least that much more . i have a DL burner...even have a couple of DL discs. but, i haven't used it yet because i'm afraid i'm going to produce a coaster.
Mav451 said:
yeah, i feel terrific about my rev. A dual 2.0. it has double the RAM capacity of the new 2.0, a DL burner that i bought for a net price of $5 (after selling the pioneer 106 that was originally there), a slightly lesser graph card (i still have the 9600 pro), but a PCI-X slot that i DO use...like someone else posted previously - i feel like my system was actually UPgraded after these announcements. this is a disappointing update.
Mav451 said:Hehe our friend at ThinkSecret disagrees
We'll know when TS knows you mean.
Maybe I'm in a unique position because I go to work and sell Wintel machines/parts all day and then come home to my Mac.
I just feel there is nothing really driving the market right now, and I'm not going to sit here and sh*t on Apple when the rest of the industry has been at a stand still as well.
Wow..didn't realize they kicked RAM down to 4GB with this update. That is pretty crappy. Glad I bought my Rev. B. in Dec. I feared this might happen, because they did that with the DP 1.8GHZ with the Rev. B.
Not that I'll use 8GB anytime soon, but it makes it easier to add RAM. Buying 512MB sticks is a bit cheaper than buying 1GB sticks.
Not that I'll use 8GB anytime soon, but it makes it easier to add RAM. Buying 512MB sticks is a bit cheaper than buying 1GB sticks.
kugino said:
Fond Farewell
MacRumors forums are like crack-cocaine.
I'm quitting cold turkey. I absolutely love the Dual 2.5 GHz macahine delivered to me last August. For audio editing the amount of power is just plain stupid. With pro apps like Final Cut, Digital Performer, PS, and others, the G5 GETS THE JOB DONE. Period. And the new Dual 2.7GHz will do it that much faster. I feel like the people complaining fall into three categories:
1. Folks with an ageing G4 or even G3 powermac who are thinking of upgrading. They are so nervous about buying a new machine, and want it to last them "forever." Guys and Girls, I beg you, the waiting game is NOT worth it! I played it for over a year, and that was one year of slowed productivity. Now I've got my mac, am using it like mad, and could not be happier. There will always be new technologies. Want a new PM? Then BUY ONE. Use it for 3-5 years, sell it for a great resale value. (500 MHz g4 Cubes still go for 450$ on EBAY!) And buy the next stupid fast quadruple core g6, g7 apple machine.
2. Gamers. Buy an X-box. its like 100 dollars. Bottom line, the problem with gaming on macs is NOT the hardware, its the fact that developers spend no time optimizing code for OSX.
3. Failed hardware/software developers. You applied for that job at Apple and never got called back? You think you can do a better job? Then get to it sonny...and stop whining.
On that note, i regularly frequent the forums at OSXAUDIO.com. There is this one moderator named Old Dog, who mixes and records all his audio on a Dual 450 MHz G4, and has been for some time. In his sig there is the simple line, which i believe should be added to all forum members' mantra lists:
"Remember, no whining!"
-Old Dog
And so, mac rumors, I will no longer be gracing your pages for the latest apple rumors and page after page of whining and ranting. I'm going to go to my studio and get some work done on my g5.
byebye now
MacRumors forums are like crack-cocaine.
I'm quitting cold turkey. I absolutely love the Dual 2.5 GHz macahine delivered to me last August. For audio editing the amount of power is just plain stupid. With pro apps like Final Cut, Digital Performer, PS, and others, the G5 GETS THE JOB DONE. Period. And the new Dual 2.7GHz will do it that much faster. I feel like the people complaining fall into three categories:
1. Folks with an ageing G4 or even G3 powermac who are thinking of upgrading. They are so nervous about buying a new machine, and want it to last them "forever." Guys and Girls, I beg you, the waiting game is NOT worth it! I played it for over a year, and that was one year of slowed productivity. Now I've got my mac, am using it like mad, and could not be happier. There will always be new technologies. Want a new PM? Then BUY ONE. Use it for 3-5 years, sell it for a great resale value. (500 MHz g4 Cubes still go for 450$ on EBAY!) And buy the next stupid fast quadruple core g6, g7 apple machine.
2. Gamers. Buy an X-box. its like 100 dollars. Bottom line, the problem with gaming on macs is NOT the hardware, its the fact that developers spend no time optimizing code for OSX.
3. Failed hardware/software developers. You applied for that job at Apple and never got called back? You think you can do a better job? Then get to it sonny...and stop whining.
On that note, i regularly frequent the forums at OSXAUDIO.com. There is this one moderator named Old Dog, who mixes and records all his audio on a Dual 450 MHz G4, and has been for some time. In his sig there is the simple line, which i believe should be added to all forum members' mantra lists:
"Remember, no whining!"
-Old Dog
And so, mac rumors, I will no longer be gracing your pages for the latest apple rumors and page after page of whining and ranting. I'm going to go to my studio and get some work done on my g5.
byebye now
Nothing cutting edge
My complaint about the new line is not with the speed bumps. The problem is this: Apple used to introduce many cutting edge technologies into their hardware lineup. The power-mac used to do things that no other computer manufacturer was even dreaming about, alone had in development. Now the Apple line-up is a mirror image of pc hardware. The only difference is the software and operating system.
My complaint about the new line is not with the speed bumps. The problem is this: Apple used to introduce many cutting edge technologies into their hardware lineup. The power-mac used to do things that no other computer manufacturer was even dreaming about, alone had in development. Now the Apple line-up is a mirror image of pc hardware. The only difference is the software and operating system.
Don't know how late I am to this "discussion", but you all DID see that the NvDia 6800 DDl is a BTO option, right?
Regards,
Gus
P.S. This is not a bad price for this setup:
1GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200) - 2x512
Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5
250GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
ATI Radeon 9650 w/256MB DDR SDRAM
Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel)
Bluetooth Module + AirPort Extreme Card
16x SuperDrive double-layer (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Bluetooth Module + Apple Wireless Keyboard & Mouse - U.S. English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
Regards,
Gus
P.S. This is not a bad price for this setup:
1GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200) - 2x512
Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5
250GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
ATI Radeon 9650 w/256MB DDR SDRAM
Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel)
Bluetooth Module + AirPort Extreme Card
16x SuperDrive double-layer (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Bluetooth Module + Apple Wireless Keyboard & Mouse - U.S. English
Mac OS X - U.S. English
not necessarily true
I have to disagree with you on this. First of all, correct me if i'm wrong people, but wouldn't dual core quicken the entire computer? I mean obviously it would add much more speed to pro applications, but regular stuff should be quicker too, right?
Secondly, have you given deeper thought to WHY they would release a smaller update like this? Let's think. Well for starters, this is getting a lot of attention in the Mac community which translates into free advertising. When the dual-core technology is ready for unveiling (most of you people seem to agree on WWDC, i think Apple Expo in Paris) all eyes will be on the Power Mac's new beefy processing capabilities, and maybe redesign... Anyway, at that time, it would have been about 6 months, the average speed bump time. This would be perfect time to unveil the REAL new Power Macs.
A bit of Mav451, try looking at the whole perspective. This would not seem like such a bad update to you (and probably 95% of the people on this thread) if crazy rumors of dual core Power Macs hadn't been created and IBM hadn't encountered processor speed issues resulting in not reaching 3ghz. True, that was 23 months ago or whatever, but that's life. Sometimes stuff just doesn't work out and you have adapt. Apple's way of adapting, rather than pushing for 3ghz, was developing dual-cored processors, to make machines that would be better than those 3ghz promised earlier. Patience is a virtue. Relax, the real new Power Macs will come in about 6 months, and until then, these speed bumps will due nicely for those who need professional machines now.
Now to quickly address your gripe about the price. Apple probably didn't lower the prices on these machines because when the dual-cores will be unveiled, they will leave the prices the same, so rather than creating bad publicity about raising prices, they leave these the same so there is an easier transition.
Mav451 said:
I have to disagree with you on this. First of all, correct me if i'm wrong people, but wouldn't dual core quicken the entire computer? I mean obviously it would add much more speed to pro applications, but regular stuff should be quicker too, right?
Secondly, have you given deeper thought to WHY they would release a smaller update like this? Let's think. Well for starters, this is getting a lot of attention in the Mac community which translates into free advertising. When the dual-core technology is ready for unveiling (most of you people seem to agree on WWDC, i think Apple Expo in Paris) all eyes will be on the Power Mac's new beefy processing capabilities, and maybe redesign... Anyway, at that time, it would have been about 6 months, the average speed bump time. This would be perfect time to unveil the REAL new Power Macs.
A bit of Mav451, try looking at the whole perspective. This would not seem like such a bad update to you (and probably 95% of the people on this thread) if crazy rumors of dual core Power Macs hadn't been created and IBM hadn't encountered processor speed issues resulting in not reaching 3ghz. True, that was 23 months ago or whatever, but that's life. Sometimes stuff just doesn't work out and you have adapt. Apple's way of adapting, rather than pushing for 3ghz, was developing dual-cored processors, to make machines that would be better than those 3ghz promised earlier. Patience is a virtue. Relax, the real new Power Macs will come in about 6 months, and until then, these speed bumps will due nicely for those who need professional machines now.
Now to quickly address your gripe about the price. Apple probably didn't lower the prices on these machines because when the dual-cores will be unveiled, they will leave the prices the same, so rather than creating bad publicity about raising prices, they leave these the same so there is an easier transition.
isgoed said:
maybe it is if it ships with 10.4 and iLife05 (and other new software)? go look on the Apple store and see how things, like ibooks, still say they will ship with 10.3 and iLife04. in theory bringing those machines up to date will cost you another $200 or so.
martman said:
DDR2 provides minimal gains.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2088&p=17
As far as PCI-Ex and SLI. SLI would be nice for those MAC gamers, and I don't have anything to back this up but does anything even take advantage of the PCI-express pipeline? Sure a 16 lane highway is nice, but if you are only using 5 lanes, then whats the point?
EDIT: I might add that DDR2 is also about 2x the price of DDR.
On the order page Apple has it listed as a 2.7GHz PowerPC G4 instead of a 2.7GHz PowerPC G5 processor.
I think the updates are good minus the single 1.8GHz model. I'm wondering if the ATI RADEON 9650 is faster than the ATI RADEON 9600 or if the only difference is the 256MB of DDR SDRAM Video Memory and DDL Capabilities.
I think the updates are good minus the single 1.8GHz model. I'm wondering if the ATI RADEON 9650 is faster than the ATI RADEON 9600 or if the only difference is the 256MB of DDR SDRAM Video Memory and DDL Capabilities.
nrd said:I'm still waiting for them to put in something faster than a 56k modem. This is such a let down. Damn you Apple! Why won't you listen to us!
like an ethernet port? airport extreme?
destroyboredom said:
The point is this: DDR2 provides minimal gains.... NOW but tomorrow.....
Same with the PCI-Express pipeline. Yes much of the banwidth is currently wasted but it won't be in a year from now and those of us with outdated hardware (all of us) will be eating dust rather than putting in new vid cards so we can play Hexen III or whatever.
Now PCI-X in a non server machine ... that is a waste!
EDIT: So what? With the huge price on a G5 the price of the ram should not even be an issue. Apple needs to smarten up on the ram issue! especially if they want PC users to switch.