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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Spring for a new Mac Pro...now a good time?

Intel's i7 is around the corner. Approx 20% faster for given clock speed (depends on what you're doing).

I'm sure that will be in Mac Pros by Jan at the latest. It will be released sometime in Q4, Sept is the earliest rumor I've heard.

In anticipation of this, Intel chip prices have plummeted. Mac prices have not plummeted to match, so they are a really bad deal relative to PCs in general at the moment. Check dealnews.com if you want some examples.

However, since Red workflow still sucks on PC (no quicktime playback, difficult to import sound, etc), I say if you have the need... get the Mac now.

Maybe see if you can score a good deal on a 2nd-hand one or something? But then I am a cheapskate when it comes to buying things that devalue quickly (that's a good thing, right?).

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
Something is always around the corner!!

I think the cheapest way to get a Mac that I saw would be to get a student developer discount (or maybe buy used). Next would be to buy refurbished (Apple is quite good here as they'll test the Mac and make sure the unit has all the cables and everything).

I bought my Macbook Pro refurbished. I'm happy with it.
 
Best time to buy is close to when you need it for a project. There will never be the *final* Mac or any other computer that will get you set forever. Changing out a computer every couple of years for a faster one is pretty much the cost of doing business.

Noah
 
I am not concerned with the cheapest mac cause I have mac genius in the family, 25% off which is great but he does not know any rumors. I am upgrading business as usual but if one is to drop 5k, might as well get the latest offerings. Thanks for the feedback.
 
sorry if its off topic.

is it a good idea to buy a refurbished xserver and use it as a editing workstation? what are the pitfalls anyway?
 
sky1walker said:
sorry if its off topic.

is it a good idea to buy a refurbished xserver and use it as a editing workstation? what are the pitfalls anyway?
Click to expand...

Your hearing?

I dunno, maybe the new ones are quieter. The one in our server room makes a heckuva din.

Also not too sure what kind of graphics card you can fit in there... Or video IO card.

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
It's never a good time to buy technology. Do it if your old stuff doesn't make you money anymore, or if you can make more money faster with the new item.
________
BRAT
 
Bruce Allen said:
Intel's i7 is around the corner. Approx 20% faster for given clock speed (depends on what you're doing).

I'm sure that will be in Mac Pros by Jan at the latest. It will be released sometime in Q4, Sept is the earliest rumor I've heard.
Click to expand...

Listen to Bruce here. Nehalem (i7) not only improves performance per clock, but will offer faster clock speeds, an eliminates the front side bus, and integrates the memory controller. Overall performance will be a noticeable improvement. I'd wait.
 
Well, the biggest rumors are that new iPods (don't know which) and new Macbook/Macbook Pros will be released soon (September is the rumored month). As far as Mac Pros go, you should be good to go as far as the rumor mill is concerned. But hey, even I've been surprised how quickly Apple updates their computers.
 
I would wait til after IBC in sept at least. theres gonna be alot of new stuff released me thinks. i really need a macpro and macbookpro but im waiting casue i only like to spend money once :)

its a tough wait tho.
 
Im waiting so far...
 
If you need to buy now, go for the lesser price while still staying dual quad core. the coming update will be significant, from all reports, as significant as the switch to G5 or the switch to intel. when the new one comes out, sell the old one or add it as a network render node
 
phaz said:
If you need to buy now, go for the lesser price while still staying dual quad core. the coming update will be significant, from all reports, as significant as the switch to G5 or the switch to intel. when the new one comes out, sell the old one or add it as a network render node
Click to expand...

Good Point Paul...I have not heard such rumors but I hope your right! I am leaving town for a couple of weeks on a shoot so I can wait. When is the IBC and does apple usually use this event for making announcements? Patience.
 
I'm in the same boat. And MAC rumors isn't much help...they say don't buy but don't say why or when you should buy. I am waiting until the last minute (end of Sept) then I have to buy.
 
The new Mac Pro 8 core is a great buy right now. Closest thing on the PC side is Intel Skulltrail. Haven't seen a Skulltrail workstation for less than twice the Mac.
 
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