MOTUnation.com

It's only a rumor, but it has been a while since the last Mac Pro update so I wouldn't be shocked if it's at least marginally true:

MacRumors.com: Mac Pro Update With 6-Core Xeon Gulftown Processors Due Soon?

Inevitability...

I think that's too soon. MBP updates will probably come first, and they still haven't ironed the kinks out of the latest iMac updates from OCT through DEC 2009 (the 27" models, that is).

mhschmieder wrote:I think that's too soon. MBP updates will probably come first, and they still haven't ironed the kinks out of the latest iMac updates from OCT through DEC 2009 (the 27" models, that is).

If Intel debuts the processors on a specific date, Apple uses (exclusivity) them in their pro machines and yes, it could be then... that's the refresh cycle if you've noticed. And the problems around the 27" iMac is because it's a WHOLE new thing. Quite a bit involved with an iMac because it's designed around the form factor of the all-in-one design... the Mac Books are the same... I think they are even going to get a bit more involved because they have to iron out the video end of it considering the situation with Nvidia... The Mac Pros are a simple logic board and processor upgrade... nothing too involved so we'll see them in a month or two in black anodized cases...

You could be right about the order of updates. I think Apple probably intended to do an MBP update before a MacPro update, but lingering issues and the overall integration problem with the video card, may well force a MacPro update first.

I certainly hope that you're right. All they need to do to make a MacPro my target, is to make it lighter so that it is feasible to take to an on-location session.

Mac Pros being a "Pro" machine I think the form factor of the MP is pretty much etched in stone. I heard about a touch screen iMac coming towards the end of the year... until then the laptop is really the only alternative. Tracking is trivial for a DAW and a Mac Pro is more for full blown production.

That's a good point -- I didn't have any problems recording 12 simultaneous tracks at 48 kHz (which taxes my machine way more than 44.1 kHz during mixing). And considering that initial tracks are just that and fairly generic, almost anything should do for a remote session, as long as it's reasonably good software and works with one's audio interfaces.

The reason I mention a smaller Mac Pro footprint, is that there are rumours the case will be completely redesigned this time around. I like the current design, and wouldn't want them to go plastic just to make it lighter. I just thought they could make it shorter. Time will tell.

mhschmieder wrote:That's a good point -- I didn't have any problems recording 12 simultaneous tracks at 48 kHz (which taxes my machine way more than 44.1 kHz during mixing). And considering that initial tracks are just that and fairly generic, almost anything should do for a remote session, as long as it's reasonably good software and works with one's audio interfaces.

The reason I mention a smaller Mac Pro footprint, is that there are rumours the case will be completely redesigned this time around. I like the current design, and wouldn't want them to go plastic just to make it lighter. I just thought they could make it shorter. Time will tell.

Most people who buy a Mac Pro don't even move them... they sit under a desk or are remotely put away. To haul around a machine like that is just nuts! if somebody wants to remotely grab some performances just use a laptop. !

I hope they come out soon, if only to push down the cost of the current generation refurbs. I'm aching to buy a new Intel Mac. I can only afford probably the Quad machine that's currently $2500. Would be nice if the new model depresses this model. Although I remember hearing something that the Quad Nahalem machine was limited to 8GB RAM or something like that?

Yeah, that's my quibble with the 2009 models. The "entry-level" model is crippled, which defeats the purpose of going Mac Pro for expandability. And the next model up is a huge chunk of additional change. The 2008 models seem a better deal, especially as refurbs. The lifetime of expandability of the 2008 models compared to the 2009 Quad, would hopefully be mitigated by a lower refurb price after new 2010 models arrive.

Let's hope the 2010 models are a win-win, in that one gets good value whether buying new or buying an older model as a refurb after the price depreciation.