I was talking to our engineer /rep from Apple because we are in need of purchasing a Mac Pro. Before continuing, I want to make sure it's clear that this is my personal opinion about purchasing a high-end Mac Pro at this moment:
1.- If you don't really need to buy a Mac Pro right now, please don't. The Mac Pro line is due for an update sometime in February - March.
2.- The top of the line Mac Pro as of March 2008 was the 3.2GHz Octocore. According to our Apple sources, that machine sits right below today's top model and above today's medium model. Today's entry level Octocore Mac Pro is slower than 2008's medium or high end models.
3.- 2008's Top-of-the-line Mac Pro is still a smoking fast machine that can be purchased used on Ebay or refurbished through Apple with all standard Apple warranties.
4.- The $$$ savings will be significant. A 2008 3.2 Octocore can be purchased right now for $3299. Cheaper and faster than today's medium and entry level Mac Pro.
Now, I know there are technicalities about the new Xeon Nehalem processors being a bit better at multithreading, faster memory controller, cache, etc, etc, but you pick your battles between time of purchase, speed and budget.
Unfortunately, I can't wait until next year. We need a new system now. And since I can't wait, I am going for 2008's 3.2 for the time being.
Stuart Ferreyra
Timecode Multimedia
Colorist / Post Supervisor
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