The end of the Mac Pro?
Just a couple of days ago there were reports that a Mac Pro update was being held up because of delays in Intel's Sandy Bridge E processors. Now comes reports that Apple is considering discontinuing the Mac Pro line. This, of course, just adds to the consternation surrounding the Final Cut Pro X debacle.
I guess we shouldn't really be surprised, given the success of the iPhone and iPad, and even of the MacBook Pro's and Air. Mac Pro's are probably a tiny fraction of Apple's business.
And full disclosure, I've been happily editing on a MacBook Pro for the past year and a half, and probably wouldn't buy a Mac Pro even if they brought out a new one, still...I can't help wondering what this would mean long term for the Mac in the creative community.
[And I just ordered the Mac version of the Adobe Production Premium Creative Suite too.]
I guess we shouldn't really be surprised, given the success of the iPhone and iPad, and even of the MacBook Pro's and Air. Mac Pro's are probably a tiny fraction of Apple's business.
And full disclosure, I've been happily editing on a MacBook Pro for the past year and a half, and probably wouldn't buy a Mac Pro even if they brought out a new one, still...I can't help wondering what this would mean long term for the Mac in the creative community.
[And I just ordered the Mac version of the Adobe Production Premium Creative Suite too.]
Despite new CPU options, Apple reportedly questioning future of Mac Pro | Kasper Jade | AppleInsider
Another point reportedly raised during the discussions was that the advent of Apple's multi-use, high-speed Thunderbolt technology will ultimately allow other, more popular members of the Mac product family to assume the vast majority of the roles that once required the Mac Pro's and flexibility and architecture.
Apple mulling end of life for Mac Pro line, report says
| Josh Lowensohn | C|Net
During its fourth quarter earnings call, the company noted that sales were "fueled by the very strong growth of the MacBook Air, as well as the continued strong performance of the MacBook Pro." All told, those two portables accounted for 74 percent of the Mac sales for the quarter, with desktop sales being led not by the Mac Pro, but by Apple's iMac instead.
AppleInsider: ‘Apple Reportedly Questioning Future of Mac Pro’
| John Gruber | Daring Fireball
You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
Comments
The difference between iMac and Mac Pro pricing can buy you a lot of sweet external thunderbolt tools you can hookup to any Mac and take on the go. Video workstations have a lot to gain from being mostly modular.
I predict the business of renting Red Rockets and the like is going to boom.