Marco Arment: “A world without the Mac Pro”

2016-11-10 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: 4K and 5K display, computer display, Mac Pro

Update: also good is Adam Engst’s Understanding Apple’s Marginalization of the Mac.

Marco Arment articulates a message that will resonate with any professional in A world without the Mac Pro.

It’s looking increasingly likely that there will never be another Mac Pro. Here’s why that would be a shame.

Pro buyers depend on Apple to make the hardware that satisfies our needs. And we’re flexible. We’ve adapted over the years to new CPU architectures, port changes, capability changes, price increases, and a slower update pace.

The 5K iMac is a truly great computer. It’s the best general-purpose desktop Apple has ever made. It almost replaces the need for the Mac Pro. Many of us can get by with the 5K iMac.

But there are some things that only a Mac Pro can deliver.

...

MPG is in agreement.

See also AN OPEN LETTER TO APPLE FROM THE ACTUAL WORKING PROS.

Unfortunately if Macs are 5% of Apple revenue and Macs continue to be neglected while Apple expands its other lines, they will become 2% or 3% of revenue. What point does a Mac Pro have if it is 1/10 of that revenue? It’s not even a side show. Still, there’s hope: the 2016 MacBook Pro apparently is garnering a lot of revenue.

My wish list for a future Mac Pro. If necessary, supersize the existing form factor, do whatever it takes and make it a true pro machine:

• Bring back dual CPU options, or at the least offer a wide range of options up to the 22 core Xeon CPU.
• Up to 256GB memory.
• At least 8 and preferably 12 Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C ports.
• Six built-in USB 3.0 ports for compatibility without existing adapters or hubs. Built-in SD card slot.
• Ability to drive dual 5K displays.
• 2TB or 4TB or 8TB inernal SSD options running at 3GB/sec or faster with pro-grade lifespan.
• Top-of-class GPU, with the 2nd GPU made optional.