Updates for Mac Pro!

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 16:51

Really trying to work out my options here guys, should I go for single chip mac pro or an imac? If going for mac pro id stick an 8800GT in it. I don't think I would have any need for an 8 core or would I. I do some video editing and other members of family are bigly into their photography so Aperture will be getting a good lot of use. Looking to start some music recording/editing on it too (not sure which software to use). Also I might play the odd game on it but im not a serious gamer at all. I have 2 22" screens sitting on my desk with current set up so a mac pro would be a nice addition to plug them into! Any recommendations? Money doesn't really matter but id be aiming for <1500 (VAT claimed back). Cheers

EDIT:

This is the spec I was looking at primarily

* One 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
* 2GB (2x1GB)
* NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB GDDR3
* 320GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
* One 16x SuperDrive
* AirPort Extreme Card (Wi-Fi)
* Apple Mighty Mouse
* Apple Keyboard & Mac OS

* Five USB ports
* Two FireWire 400 ports
* Two FireWire 800 ports

£1352 (without VAT)

WotDa · 9 Jan 2008 at 16:54

I'd go with the Pro, the vid editing, Aperture and your existing screens would benefit you greatly I think.

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:01

Yeah I was thinking for the video editing it will allow me the option of going HD soon. I'm not sure that 8 cores would be worth the extra £300 though. 4 should be plenty for my needs. I really do love the look of the imac but the pro is much better spec for not that much more money (2.8 24" imac). The first gen mac pro was just 4 core wasn't it?

WotDa · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:03

jonnyc747 said:
The first gen mac pro was just 4 core wasn't it?

iirc, yes.

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:07

I think there was a top spec 8 core model but not totally sure. The video/photo stuff I do isn't a job or anything so its not like I need massive throughput but having the quad core at my disposal would be nice. Would be keen to know how it would perform at running games as I've heard a few people say on here not to buy one for just gaming

J1234 · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:08

jonnyc747 said:
I think there was a top spec 8 core model but not totally sure. The video/photo stuff I do isn't a job or anything so its not like I need massive throughput but having the quad core at my disposal would be nice. Would be keen to know how it would perform at running games as I've heard a few people say on here not to buy one for just gaming

There was an option for 8 cores but not straight away, originally it was dual core or 2x duals.

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:10

agh ok cheers justin - will check the finances and see what my options are. imac is nice but i think a mac pro with my existing 22" screens be even nicer!

J1234 · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:20

Yeah, I think every one wants a Mac Pro, including me (which I will get :eek:

)

WotDa · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:25

Justin said:
Yeah, I think every one wants a Mac Pro, including me (which I will get )

And me, if I can find a job in a remote location...

Bouncer · 9 Jan 2008 at 17:26

Cromulent said:
Your joking? The Mac Pro is the cheapest workstation with these specs out of any PC manufacturer. The idea that Apple makes expensive hardware is a myth nowadays in the professional market.

I have to make a confession - i thought it was £2700 not $2700!!!

No at £1300 i agree it is about as good a value computer as apple have ever made and i can't wait to order one. after macworld.

Ender · 9 Jan 2008 at 19:48

Bouncer said:
I have to make a confession - i thought it was £2700 not $2700!!!

No at £1300 i agree it is about as good a value computer as apple have ever made and i can't wait to order one. after macworld.

Ditto to that, apple have done a great job with this one

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 21:22

Just noticed mac pro doesn't have apple remote - does it not even have front row?

J1234 · 9 Jan 2008 at 21:30

Has front row, but no Apple Remote.

Instead, you press Command + Esc or launch it from Applications.

You couldn't use Front Row on Tiger with a Mac Pro though, only on Leopard with Front Row 2.0

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 21:33

ah right ok - can you buy them separately i wonder or are they not even supported?

Ender · 9 Jan 2008 at 21:51

Well there's no ir sensor on the mac pro, and even if it did have one a lot of people have them under the desk which would limit their usefulness.

However something like http://twistedmelon.com/mira/hardware.html would allow you to use the remote with the mac pro

J1234 · 9 Jan 2008 at 21:53

You can buy the Remotes separately, but they aren't supported as the Mac Pro doesn't have a IR port. You could try another remote though like the 'Keyspan Express Remote' which can control iTunes.

Edit: and any new updates to the ACD's might include a IR port.

ringo747 · 9 Jan 2008 at 22:37

cheers guys - will hold off until macworld and see what updates to the screens too - no point in rushing things just for another few days until macworld

Doug · 9 Jan 2008 at 23:56

With these updates, I'm sorely tempted. Shiny New Gadget Syndrome strikes again!

Thank god I can't afford one!

Bouncer · 10 Jan 2008 at 00:35

no i think the people ordering now are mad - who is seriously dropping £1500+ on a system 7 days before Apples biggest event of the year, a time when they are known for introducing new things??

theheyes · 10 Jan 2008 at 01:39

If people are in the market for a Mac Pro then its a safe bet. You do have a point though, they may unleash some Quad Core iMacs and laptops which might satisfy some people who are stretching to a MP.