Wait on purchase of MacPro?
I'm looking to purchase a mac pro machine (my first apple purchase) in the near future. I'm a bit concerned that the current mac pro line has been out since 8/06 at basically the same pricing.
The main issue here is value: I dont want to spend 2.5K on a machine to have the next gen machine, which is more expandable etc come out in 2months time at the same price point or for the current line to have price adjustements.
If I hold off on purchasing till say end of march perhaps mid april, how likely is it that:
cheers,
The main issue here is value: I dont want to spend 2.5K on a machine to have the next gen machine, which is more expandable etc come out in 2months time at the same price point or for the current line to have price adjustements.
If I hold off on purchasing till say end of march perhaps mid april, how likely is it that:
- Prices drop (by say 200-300$) on the current dual-dual cores
- Dual-quad (octa) cores are introduced, with retainment of the Dual-dual core line-- or at least an option to buy a single-quad core mac pro
cheers,
Comments
If you need it now, buy it now.
If you don't, wait.
Anyone think Apple will *not* release the new mac pro line at the mid-april NAB conference?
Perhaps I framed the qeustion the wrong way...
Anyone think Apple will *not* release the new mac pro line at the mid-april NAB conference?
Fact is they are about due for some type of update, whether it's a price drop (which is what they do when they don't have significant updates), actual hardware update, or both. That said, there have been times where they update seemingly like clockwork (every 6 months) and a few other times it has dragged out 7-10 months.
I was in the same boat as you, but I decided screw it, and I went out and bought the dual-3ghz with the ATI 1900 video card this past weekend. I love it!
Now will I be envious *when* Apple releases the update? Sure, for a bit, but I'll get over it like I do every time I buy something and as soon as my return period has ended it gets better/cheaper than when I bought it <sigh>.
So either go buy it or just sit tight and don't ask every couple days "Hey, anyone hear any new news on when the Mac Pro will be updated?"
I'd wait and try to do your work on another Mac system for the time being.
1. Mac Pro will probably get another design (external, internal)
2. Probably more bang for the buck (GFX card?)
3. Perhaps the lower spec will contain one quad chip, leaving the option to add another quad (??)
My guess is the new Mac Pro's will be released with new monitors, which really need an update.
Wait as long as you can, and then wait some more - and then wait another two weeks. then when your motherboard is smoking smoke and flaming flames - make a purchase.
but since you dont have a mac yet... What are you waiting for?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps I framed the qeustion the wrong way...
Anyone think Apple will *not* release the new mac pro line at the mid-april NAB conference?
It's a gimme - if it doesn't happen before.
This from someone who HAD to buy - my Mac Pro is a week old now.
If you can hang out, wait.
I tried to wait as long as I could but I'm loving what I have right now ....
Don't care ... it's damn near paid for itself in the first week.
YeeeHaaarrr ....
What are you waiting for?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've got no money tree in the backyard.
However, I did call apple and spoke to a very helpful rep. Since I'm a student in comp sci, this seems like a great way to go:
Buy a $99 for the student developer subscription (instead of $500) and you still get a nice discount (about $500 on the system I'm looking at) on the machines. I'd recommend this process for any CS student who wants to purchase a new mac. (Note: only 1 machine per lifetime may be purchased via the student developer program... and you must verify your student status via transcripts/student ids etc)
I just purchased my student developer subscription and I'm awaiting the activation code... then I can activate and start the student verify process.... with any luck it will all be done by mid-april and then new machines will come out then too.
I've got no money tree in the backyard.
However, I did call apple and spoke to a very helpful rep. Since I'm a student in comp sci, this seems like a great way to go:
Buy a $99 for the student developer subscription (instead of $500) and you still get a nice discount (about $500 on the system I'm looking at) on the machines. I'd recommend this process for any CS student who wants to purchase a new mac. (Note: only 1 machine per lifetime may be purchased via the student developer program... and you must verify your student status via transcripts/student ids etc)
I just purchased my student developer subscription and I'm awaiting the activation code... then I can activate and start the student verify process.... with any luck it will all be done by mid-april and then new machines will come out then too.
Great - you CAN wait.
The only thing to be aware of (and it's a biggie) when you're working in the pro arena, is sometimes you do have to wait for third parties to catch up ... it CAN cost money when you're out on the bleeding edge. (Not meant to be a negative - but it's ALWAYS a consideration.)
I've got no money tree in the backyard.
However, I did call apple and spoke to a very helpful rep. Since I'm a student in comp sci, this seems like a great way to go:
Buy a $99 for the student developer subscription (instead of $500) and you still get a nice discount (about $500 on the system I'm looking at) on the machines. I'd recommend this process for any CS student who wants to purchase a new mac. (Note: only 1 machine per lifetime may be purchased via the student developer program... and you must verify your student status via transcripts/student ids etc)
I just purchased my student developer subscription and I'm awaiting the activation code... then I can activate and start the student verify process.... with any luck it will all be done by mid-april and then new machines will come out then too.
XwinX - Welcome to the fold!
Quite honestly, I'd wait! I am a long time Mac user (and Apple client since before the Mac). I'm in the market too but can get by for now and am holding out. If you can, do. Your first Mac is gong to blow you away!
We're waiting for the Mac Pro update too (video editing).
I'd wait and try to do your work on another Mac system for the time being.
1. Mac Pro will probably get another design (external, internal)
2. Probably more bang for the buck (GFX card?)
3. Perhaps the lower spec will contain one quad chip, leaving the option to add another quad (??)
My guess is the new Mac Pro's will be released with new monitors, which really need an update.
If you HAVE to buy, resell your Mac Pro as soon as the new ones come out. In such a short period of time, Macs don't depreciate very much.
If you HAVE to buy, resell your Mac Pro as soon as the new ones come out. In such a short period of time, Macs don't depreciate very much.
Very True,
I am selling my PowerMac Quad as soon as the Octo-core gets here.
The truth is when you use you computer for professional use, you get back the investment in very short period of time. Since Macs don't depreciate so fast, you still can get a good return when you sell it.