rob53

I was going to comment on the other article but this one states exactly what I was going to say. There are people on this forum who can't see the forest for the trees. The housing/rack is a straightforward and secure method of housing the modular components for a Mac Pro that all pro users wanted. It's been a real long time since I saw a Mac that could be opened so easily. Twist the lock and lift off the cover, that's it. Full access to everything inside in a couple of seconds. I like Apple's idea instead of the Lego-type ideas tossed around for stacking the MP.

Apple lists it as weighing 39.7 lbs but I have to wonder if that's with a basic configuration and how much a fully loaded configuration would weigh. For those who have seen it in person does it appear like the CPU board is replaceable or are you stuck with your initial configuration? As for starting at 256GB SSD, it all depends on the anticipated workflow. For some people all your data storage will be on massive RAID or NAS storage so why waste the money of 2TB internal storage if you're not going to use it. 

For the first time, I wish I hadn't retired because this Mac would be one I would have ordered several of. I can also see a bunch of them being ordered by several departments even though some might end up being loaded with a version of linux.

I can't wait for someone to max out the xMP (extreme Mac Pro) and run LINPACK and HPCG benchmarks against it. I'd like to see how it compares to the massive cluster systems in the TOP500 list (https://top500.org/lists/2018/11/ DOE supercomputers back at the top 2 spots). #500 is 874 Tflops so it won't be in the top 500 but we're talking about a legitimate supercomputer in a very small package.

One thing many people might not realize is each of these systems (xMP, display, some peripherals) will require a dedicated 120V 20A circuit, most likely through its own UPS system along with an air conditioned room. Apple's talking about 1280W and I hope that's fully loaded. I could see this workstation rack mounted in a desk with a RAID rack and UPS connected to a 220V 20A circuit. I'd roll this desk/table around instead of just the Mac Pro. 

Apple is not mentioned in the Medium article, pitch for the idea, so I'm not sure why AI feels Apple would be targeted. I think you should have included this quote: "They’ve bulldozed competition, used our private information for profit, and tilted the playing field against everyone else. And in the process, they have hurt small businesses and stifled innovation." I don't see Apple doing any of this, at least not to the extent of the big three mentioned in the article. I hope people actually read the article instead of only reading AI's snippets. 

mdriftmeyer said:

If you're a professional musician you sure as hell won't scoff at making sure your bus interfaces are being saturated. Sorry, but typical home studios are > $5k in equipment. Most quality Audio Interfaces are already USB-C ready 3.1 interfaces with USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables included. Example: Focusrite Clarett Lines. If you're a professional, the odds of spending < $600 on an Audio Interface for live performances seems non-existent.

And how many professional musicians had atone of money invested in older equipment? Hussain's suggestion on using a TB3 powered hub is a very economical one but I've never heard of Cable Matters and when I look at their TB3 dock, https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Cable-Matters-Thunderbolt-Compatible/dp/B074G4X7CL?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-osx-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B074G4X7CL, it says: Not compatible with a USB-C computer host. Isn't that what all current Apple desktops and laptops come with? I'd rather use a known and respected Apple VAR, OWC/MacSales, using their TB3 powered dock.

Epic is full of epic user problems. Just talk to any medical receptionist who’s had to transition to Epic. Why would Apple even consider wasting their money buying out this company? Work with them but be able to ditch them whenever they want to. 

Didn’t realize the guilty party gets to set the fine. Only in America.

Do the crime, pay the fine!!