Mac Pro Purchase - Now or Wait?

Hey Guys!

I am ready to purchase my first Mac Pro. Regardless of how you feel about it's merits, just assume that I need the processing power that it can offer. I am a Composer, at least I'm studying Music Composition as my Major area of Study. I have a very large sample library that requires a machine like this.

I am looking to buy the 8-Core model with 16 GB RAM, minimum and various upgrades elsewhere.

Obviously, I am researching every bit of information I can find about the current model of Mac Pro (2010). While I adore Apple products, I can't deny that they can get expensive. So, I'm taking as many precautions as I can before purchase.

Now, I know that Mac Pro's latest update was in August 2010 - something long overdue. So, it seems fair for me to be comforted in knowing that I'll be purchasing the latest version offered for this computer. Is it, though?

I was hoping that there would be some type of Apple Event in January 2011. Why? I just wanted to make sure that there wouldn't be some type of update in any aspect of the Mac Pro models, pricing, etc. Are my fears legitimate?

I realize that Apple, traditionally, likes to offer product updates every year or so. So, it would be a bit early for anything new. But, you never know! There are plenty of people out there, smarter than I, that could have a bit of information that could help me out!

So...set aside any bias you may have against the Mac Pro: Would it be wise, as a consumer hoping to purchase the latest product and have it remain so for a while, to purchase a Mac Pro at this time?

Thanks Guys!

What information do you have regarding 2011 Q4, Mac Pros, etc.? Is this just an estimate on your part?

Do you think that this will be an option for upgrade when that time comes?

So, I'll have to buy a new Mac Pro if I want to upgrade anything after they start releasing models with the Sandy Bridge chips?

Okay. But, if I want to take advantage of what the Sandy Bridge processors have to offer, I WILL have to buy a whole new Mac Pro?

I'm sorry for asking potentially juvenile questions. I'm not a Tech Guy, in the fullest sense. Not that this material really requires such a title.

My brain short-circuited, sort of, when you brought this to my attention. I remember reading about the Sandy Bridge chips as info came along. But I wasn't thinking of them.

Here I was... finally in a financial comfort zone to purchase this great system, and now the sound of the next great model looms in the distance. Of course, this is an issue we Mac folks are used to, let alone anything in Technology.

Nuts!

Any possibility that Apple will offer a Trade-In/Upgrade/Discount offer for Mac Pro systems to upscale to the Sandy Bridge models?

Does History show this to even be a possibility? I thought they do something like this with the iPhone releases, but I may be pulling stuff out of the air.

(Sigh)

Well, it looks like I'll just suffer through with my Mac Pro (2010 model).

I do need the upgrade in processing power from my iMac. I would've liked to be on the latest model, but it's not required. At least I'll feel pretty cool for almost a year. lol.

Well, you've been very helpful!

Thank you for putting in the time here.

Given the amount of public troubles on the Sandy Bridge processors, I have begun to rethink purchasing a Mac Pro now instead of later.

Answer a few questions, and help me decide.

Is it likely that an updated Mac Pro system with the SB processors will experience a similar problem?

Would there be a significant gain in performance speed and quality with this new generation?

Would buying a Mac Pro now, with faster and larger upgrades, be better than a Mac Pro model with the SB processors and "medium" upgrades?

The biggest argument to wait, I guess, is that having the SB model will allow me to upgrade. If I get a Mac Pro now, I would have to purchase a whole new system to be able to use the SB processors.

Thoughts?