Apple Mac Pro review roundup

So everyone even remotely in the loop knew that it was just a matter of time before Apple tossed an Intel processor (or two) into its desktop Mac, and now that the deed is done and the Mac Pro is out on the street, reviewers have the scoop on whether the revamped Mac is worth your while. There seems to be echos of praise stemming from the quicker, or shall we say, "snappier," Intel chip versus the 'ole PowerPC-based processors, and the much-anticipated addition of extra hard drive bays and a secondary optical drive helped to improve on those prior limitations. Of course, Rosetta apps still lag behind on the new chips, but this will probably become a non-issue as more programs get that Universal touch. Although there didn't seem to be many complaints, the biggest gripes came from the uninspiring graphics performance versus similar PC-based GPUs (no surprise here), and the disappointing reality that built-in AirPort / Bluetooth modules aren't standard on a "professional" machine. We're sure there's a select few still bound and determined to keep plugging along in OS 9 as long as possible, but for those interested in seeing how this Intel-equipped Mac fared, these guys have done the work for you.

Read - Ars Technica
Read - Anandtech
Read - ZDNet
Read - Bare Feats
Read - MacInTouch
Read - Epic Empire

[CSD @ Aug 21st 2006 10:12AM]

Heck yeah its worth my money

not only would i be getting a really fast computer, id also be getting a cheese grader

[Matt @ Aug 21st 2006 10:37AM]

When I report comments using the [!] of the two spammers above, is that actually doing anything?

[Wonderboy @ Aug 21st 2006 10:57AM]

Matt, I think the even bigger question is who in there right minds clicks those links therefore making it worthwhile for these spammers to do their dirty work here.

[Jimmy @ Aug 21st 2006 10:58AM]

Hey Matt, I reported your post to check what happens when someone reports spammers. If you dont see your post here, well, then it works.

Other than that,CompUsa has the two Apple Macs side by side. They look identical but the Pro really really upspeeds the G5.

[bob @ Aug 21st 2006 11:24AM]

Is this the new iPhone?

in a word no, its a really old mock up from icreate magazine

[Zadillo @ Aug 21st 2006 11:32AM]

They do look almost identical on the outside (other than the second optical drive and the extra ports, etc.)...... it's really the interior which is significantly different (and very nice).

[srw985 @ Aug 21st 2006 12:26PM]

doesnt when you click the ! report, it get subbmitted to engadget for reviewing and if its bad it gets deleted?

[Adam @ Aug 21st 2006 12:36PM]

I don't see why bluetooth isn't standard, but if you're a pro wireless is no use, you would be using 100mbit wired at least if not, then gigabit

[Stephen P. @ Aug 21st 2006 1:22PM]

I don't see why bluetooth isn't standard, but if you're a pro wireless is no use, you would be using 100mbit wired at least if not, then gigabit

I agree, it's not like anyone is going to go war driving with one of these things.

[Andy @ Aug 21st 2006 2:03PM]

Exactly...wireless if for laptops and handhelds.

I just sold off my G5 and bought one of these last week and I can say, it is a WONDERFUL machine. If you have a G5 now, you can kiss that annoying fan noise goodbye...thats one thing I'm not seeing written about too much. The machine is almost completely silent. And for a machine running that fast, it's a real miracle.

[Jjeff @ Aug 21st 2006 2:28PM]

I just unpacked a dual 2.0 today, I have to say that these are the most immediate design evolutions I've noticed:

1. You get 4 bays for SATA drives and they include the caddys to slide more drives in. All you do is screw the drive to the caddy and then push it in.

2. The memory is installed on a daughter card which is pulled out of the machine. Easier to install than the old way all the way down into the bowels of the G5. I managed to destroy a memory slot that way once - on a G5. Luckily we got it exchanged or I would've been out of luck.

3. The half-AA cell for the PRAM is replaced with a standard coin cell battery

That's about it for excitement... everything is newer and faster.

[Billy Bob @ Aug 21st 2006 3:49PM]

I am trying to decide if it is worth the $5,000 to upgrade from my Dual 2.0 G5 with a 6800GT to a Quad Xenon 3Ghz with a X1900 (or possibly Quattro 4500).

$5k because I would probably want a bunch of upgrades including the Quattro 4500 graphics card (stereo3D is rad), another gig of ram, the BT and Airport, and a few other options.

From the reports on ArsTechnica (god their reviews are stuffy and overbloated (they need a punch in the face for every time they use the word albeit)) the extra performance might not be worth the cost. I really need to see 3D benchmarks in Windows and OSX.

Also, none of the major 3D companies have reported support for Intel OSX (Maya, Max, XSI). Sure I can always run these in Windows on a Mac Pro, but my hope is that they will support Intel OSX or possibly run as a Windows application in OSX in a Virtual Machine type thing with full 3D hardware support and perfect speeds.

So, should I go nuts and configure a $5k Mac Pro?

[jd @ Aug 21st 2006 4:50PM]

Go nuts. I did.

[Andy @ Aug 21st 2006 7:23PM]

I've got one, and have to say it's a great machine so far. Lots of upgrading potential as well. Very quiet, OS X is wonderful as always, and though the video card isn't really up to snuff, I can still play HL2 maxed out on Bootcamp.

The only thing that's missing right now is Parallels support.

If you decide to spring for it, make sure you snag an ADC discount if you're going to school at all; that'll land you the standard machine at 2 grand.

[C.C. @ Aug 21st 2006 7:50PM]

I was thinking about buying one so I visited the big NYC store last night. (open 24/7.) Did you know that if you have them throw a bluetooth card or extra RAM in it, that qualifies as a "custom" configuration, and you CAN'T return it no-questions-asked within 14 days? Man, Apple makes it hard to want to switch. I just don't get them sometimes.

[C.C. @ Aug 21st 2006 7:54PM]

Oh, and let me add: so I asked them if it was ok if I just bought the RAM myself. That way if I hated the computer I could return them both separately. They said sure, but that RAM costs more if you don't want them to install it. (Installation has a negative price, apparently.) Grrrrr. I swear, I WANT this computer, I'm just not 100% since I've been a Windows user. Is it too much to ask for a normal policy on this kind of thing?

[keith waddington @ Aug 22nd 2006 12:33AM]

Mr. CC

returning something just because you decided you don't like it is not something inscribed in retail law. No matter what country you come from. If you return it on a whim. unfortunately Apple while incur expense in reselling it. So really, what do you expect? Apple already have the best after sales service in the business.

Also, there is absolutely no chance that you will not LOVE the machine. So do yourself a favour and just buy it. And the simple solution if you really want to imagine you will return it: by the standard config. and add ram later from a 3rd party seller and it will actually cost you less.

Peace
http://www.waddo.net/

[CC @ Aug 22nd 2006 10:59AM]

Waddington: thanks for the message. Actually, I wasn't saying Apple was doing something illegal, I was just saying they're not offering the same policy every other electronics store I've ever bought from has offered. From Verizon to IBM/Lenovo to Dell to Best Buy, all these stores allow short term returns if you're unhappy. It's not too much to ask at all. I've never returned a computer after a few days, but that option is important in case it sucks.

As for post-sales support, they tried to tell me I have to spend an extra $100 to get priority if I want to make an appt. more than one day in advance IF IT BREAKS. If I don't pay the $100 and it breaks, in order to get an appointment I have to wake up at 1am to make the appointment, because sam day appointments are all booked by 3 or 4 am.

Again, I'm still leaning towards a purchase. I'm just disgusted by this policy. No claims here that it's illegal.

[keith waddington @ Aug 22nd 2006 10:14PM]

Hi CC

I'm not sure what that 100 dollar thing is you are talking about. You may want to check the link below. If you decide to get the extended warranty they will actually come to your house to fix it.

Again I would suggest that you buy the stock model then you can return it if your not happy. The memory will be cheaper from a third party, so really I think you have no problem. And to be honest I have rarely heard complaints about Apple's after sales service. The last time I had problems (years ago) they gave me a loan computer while they fixed mine.

Any way, good luck and I'm sure you will love the new machine

http://www.apple.com/support/products/proplan.html

waddo
http://www.waddo.net/

[Bionic @ Mar 1st 2007 1:39AM]

I have owned macs since 1986. I have been a loyal customer since then... I have loved most of the computers I have purchased from them but I have to say that they can frustrate the hell out of people in terms of their support. I have had multiple encounters with their "help" staff on the phone and in person that have had me at my wits end.
On two occasions I had to wait over 3 months for adequate repairs to brand new systems that I hadn't yet been able to boot up properly. both time I had spent a cool $6000 and they stuffed me around. I love their computers and their OS but they can really bite sometimes.

[Barbra Sundquist @ Aug 28th 2006 12:02PM]

It's interesting to see the convergence happening between Macs and PCs. Some folks would say for the better, others disagree. I wrote about this recently at Is there a business case for Mac vs. PC?