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This week, Apple's online store has lowered prices on a range of Mac mini and Mac Pro models. The refurb'd Mac mini with OS X Server, a 2.0GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and dual 500GB hard drives has been reduced by $240, bringing the cost down to $759. For $1,099 is the refurbished Mac mini with OS X Server, a 2.0GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of solid state storage.
Today in the MacNN forums, Grizzled Veteran "PeterParker" was wondering if it would be a good idea to build their own USB charging station that could be used to charge Apple devices among other things. Mac Elite "CIA" started a thread earlier this week trying to find out if the maxed out Mac Pro setup that they are using will fry the power supply.
At Apple's online store today, save on refurbished iMacs and Mac Pros. The 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive has seen a $230 price break to $1,269. The refurbished 27-inch iMac with a 3.2GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and 768GB of flash storage -- originally released in October 2012 -- has been reduced to $2,969.
Apple is planning to announce a next-generation Mac Pro -- or a replacement -- sometime this month, a source tells MacDailyNews. No other information has emerged, but the website claims that the source has been right about other Apple products in the past. It did correctly predict the renaming of iPhone OS to iOS, and prices for iCloud subscriptions.
EVGA has announced the GeForce GTX 680 Mac Edition, a new video card for the Mac Pro. The hardware uses 2GB of GDDR5 RAM, and includes four outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.1, and two dual-link DVI connections. The card can also be used alongside Boot Camp and/or Windows, and supports standards including OpenCL and CUDA, which allow a video card to handle non-graphics tasks.
Component maker Sapphire has officially launched the Mac Edition of its Radeon HD 7950 video card. The add-on includes 3GB of GDDR5 memory, and is said to boost game framerates by as much as 200 percent or more, and general benchmark performance by about 30 percent. Graphics-heavy benchmarks are claimed to run up to 300 percent faster than possible with the NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT.
This week in the MacNN forums, Senior User "Sosa" was worried that their iMac may have been compromised by the security issue in Java 6, read more about this and provide input here. Today, Grizzled Veteran "all2ofme" was trying to find out if anyone else has been having similar audio issues with Mac Pro running 10.8, click here to read more and join in.
A price cut of $680 is offered on the refurbished Mac Pro with a 2.8GHz Intel quad-core Xeon processor, 3GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now priced at $1,819. Save 24 percent off the list price of the refurbished Mac Pro with a 2.4GHz 8-Core Xeon processor, 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $2,649.
At Apple's online store, save $230 on the refurbished 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.9GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now only $1,269. A 20 percent price break is available on the refurbished 27-inch iMac, with a 2.7GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, which lowers the cost by $340 to $1,359. The refurbished 15.4-inch Retina MacBook Pro with 2.3GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage has been reduced by $320 to $1,779.
As previously reported, Apple's Mac Pro tower is headed towards discontinuation in some countries of the European Union. Today, the computer is listed as "currently unavailable" at a number of European Apple online stores. The computers were scheduled for discontinuation of vendor orders on February 18, and all systems ordered prior to that date must be deliverable before March. Vendors will be allowed to sell stock after March 1. US availability is unaffected.
At Apple's online store, save up to 27 percent off Mac Pro models. Starting as low as $1,819, after a $680 price cut, is the Mac Pro with a 2.8GHz Intel Xeon Quad-Core processor with 3GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. A $360 discount is available on the refurbished Mac Pro with a 3.2GHz Intel Quad-Core Xeon processor, 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $2,139.
A new Mac Pro is coming this spring, says French reseller France Systèmes. The company makes the statement in a newsletter, claiming to have been informed of the update by Apple. No other details on the new hardware are mentioned.
Apple will stop selling the current-generation Mac Pro in Europe on March 1st, according to 9to5Mac sources. A leaked memo indicates that the computer is "not compliant with Amendment 1 of regulation IEC 60950-1, Second Edition which becomes effective on this date [the 1st]." Resellers will be able to sell any remaining stock after that deadline, but Apple will no longer take vendor orders after February 18th, and must be able to deliver systems before March.
Today at Apple's online store, save on refurbished Mac Pros. At the low end of the pricing scale is the refurbished Mac Pro with a 2.8GHz Intel quad-core Xeon processor, 3GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive. It has seen a $680 price break, and is now just $1,819. A $360 discount is available on the refurbished Mac Pro with a 3.2GHz Intel quad-core Xeon processor, 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $2,139.
At Apple's online store today, buyers can save on refurbished Mac Pro models. A 27 percent price drop is offered on the refurbished Mac Pro with a 2.8GHz Intel Quad-Core Xeon processor, 3GB of RAM and 1TB hard drive, now $1,819 after $680 off. The Mac Pro with a 3.2GHz Intel Quad-Core Xeon processor, 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive checks in with a slightly higher price tag of $2,139 after a 14 percent discount.
Yesterday in the MacNN forums, Mac Enthusiast "Ted L. Nancy" explained that he just got an early 2008 Mac Pro and he's wondering "which version of Mac OS X is best for me?" Also yesterday "PeterParker" was looking for urgent assistance with setting up AirPrint with a new printer, click here to read more and join in.
Today at Apple's online store, save up to 30 percent on refurbished MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Pro models. A $410 price cut is offered on the refurbished 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.4GHz Intel quad-core i7 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 750GB hard drive, currently priced at $1,589. The refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Air with a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage has seen a $440 price cut to $1,059.
Primate Labs, developer of Geekbench, has posted a summary of benchmarks the company is seeing for the 2012 iMac. Although updated 27-inch systems aren't out yet, the high-end 21.5-inch model is said to be scoring 25 percent better than its 2011 equivalent, and even 10 percent faster than last year's high-end 27-inch.
The first OS X 10.8.3 beta includes drivers for AMD's Radeon HD 7900-series video cards, the 7950 and 7970, notes Netkas.org. The cards aren't in any current Macs; they're in fact based on AMD's new Graphics Core Next architecture, and are each equipped with 3GB of DDR5 RAM. It's believed that Apple could be including the drivers for the sake of a new Mac Pro.
If you are shopping for a Mac, today's top Apple deals include generous price cuts from many of the top online retailers. Starting at the entry-level price point is the 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.7GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of Flash Storage, it is currently priced at $894, which is $105 less than Apple's price of $999, and about $4 less than Amazon's price fr the same model. However Amazon has cut the price on the 13.3-inch MacBook Air with a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB Solid State Drive from $1,199 to $1,025 with free Super Saver Shipping for a savings of $174, making it the lowest price on that model by about $69.
Apple's online store today offers a variety of low priced refurbished items like the refurbished 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.6GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 2GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage, now $749 after a $150 price break. The 13.3-inch refurb. MacBook Pro with a 2.5GHz Intel dual-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive is now $1019 after a $180 discount.
This week at Apple's online store find steep discounts on Macs of all shapes and sizes. Save $680 on the refurb. Mac Pro with a 2.8GHz Intel Xeon quad-core processor with 3GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1819. A $340 price break is offered on the 27-inch iMac with a 3.1GHz Intel quad-core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $1659.
This week at Apple's online store find steep discounts on Mac Pros and iMacs. Save $850 on the refurb. Mac Pro with a 2.4GHz Intel 8-Core Xeon processor, 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $2649. For $3239 after a $560 price drop is the refurb. Mac Pro with dual 2.4GHz Intel 6-Core Xeon processors, 12GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
At Apple's online store this week find big savings on refurbished Mac Pro and MacBook Pros. Save a whopping $850 on the refurb. Mac Pro with a 2.4GHz Intel 8-Core Xeon processor, 6GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $2649. A $560 price break is offered on the refurbished Mac Pro with a 2.4GHz Intel 12-Core Xeon processor, 12GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, now $3239.
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted Mac Pros, USB Flash drives, and more. Apple's online store this week is offering $630 off the refurbished 2.8GHz Mac Pro, with 3GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, 18x SuperDrive, and quad-core Intel Xeon processor. Currently featured at DealNN, the Mac Pro has now dropped to $1,869 in price, and includes free ground delivery.
Some internal configuration files that reveal a list of Macs that support flash drive or USB booting in Mountain Lion may have inadvertently tipped Apple's hand on future iMac and Mac Pro configurations. A report by AppleInsider also indicates that the as-yet-unannounced models could be the first desktops in nearly 20 years that don't include a built-in optical drive, a long-desired Apple engineering goal. The configuration files with the new model numbers are seen inside Boot Camp Assistant.
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted Mac Pros, monitors, and more. Apple.com has recently dropped the price of the refurbished 2.8GHz Mac Pro, which comes with two quad-core Intel Xeon “Westmere” processors, 6GB of RAM, 18x SuperDrive, and a 1TB hard drive. Currently featured at DealNN, the Mac Pro can now be purchased for only $2,969 and offers savings of up to $530.
In an unusual move, Apple has removed the "new" tag from the Mac Pro's listing at the online Apple store. The graphic appeared yesterday when the company released minor updates to the Pro lineup. Typically Apple leaves the graphic up for weeks or even months after a product's introduction.
Today the MacNN forums are abuzz with talk of the latest updates to the Apple lineup at yesterday's WWDC. The next generation MacBook Pro is the topic of this thread started by Clinically Insane member Eug. The thread titled "MacPro - Still No Thunderbolt" now includes the phrase "(COME ON ALREADY)" and the discussion continues about the delay in Mac Pro progress.
[Update: added comments from NYT columnist David Pogue, alleged Tim Cook email] Apple has quietly updated its Mac Pro line, putting an end to speculation that the product would be discontinued -- but has instead given the machine the lightest possible refresh, updating the processors slightly (faster versions of the same two-year-old Westfield chips) and dropping the price of the 12-core standard configuration by $1,200 to $3,800. However, some evidence has emerged that this is a transitional move to a full re-design in 2013.
Apple's next Macs, which are widely expected to be unveiled within hours, may feature customized USB 3.0 ports. Several recent leaks have pointed to USB 3.0 support as a likely feature, however sources have told Electronista that Apple pushed to get its own exclusive grey-colored connectors for upcoming devices, rather than utilizing the existing blue connectors found on most USB 3.0 products.
(Updated with Retina MacBook Pro specs) Specifications have been leaked for Apple's new Mac Pros and MacBook Pros, expected to be announced later today at WWDC 2012, according to 9to5Mac. The Mac Pro is anticipated to come in two regular stock configurations, and one server setup. The base configuration includes a 3.2GHz quad-core processor, 6GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and ATI Radeon 5770 graphics. A higher-end option includes the same hard disk and graphics, but switches to a 2.4GHz 12-core processor and 12GB of RAM. The server is closer to the base configuration, but uses 8GB of RAM and two 1TB hard drives, while losing the Radeon graphics.
(Updated with new image showing prices, products) An expanded list of part numbers indicates that Apple is indeed preparing to update virtually all of its Macs, according to a source for AppleInsider. In all, there are 27 new parts, of which 14 are believed to be Macs; all of the parts are said to be in Apple's reseller system. Currently Apple is selling 20 different stock Mac configurations, which implies that it will not update all of them, and/or that it might axe some options.
(Updated with MacNN store checks) Two different reports suggest that Apple may in fact be planning to update the Mac Pro next week. MacRumors says it has learned that Apple began pulling Mac Pro stock from retail stores several weeks ago, although staff were told to inform customers they could still buy the computer online. Many stores are said to be out of stock available for in-store pickup; some stores cite availability on June 8 or 9, while others mention the 12 or the 13. Apple Stores are also allegedly holding secret "overnight" meetings on the 12, though whether that might be connected to the Mac Pro is unknown.
Apple is planning to update "at least four out of their five" Mac lines at WWDC, according to sources for 9to5Mac. New systems should at least include two reconfigured 15-inch MacBook Pros, although what will happen with the 13- and 17-inch MacBook Pros is unknown. It's also believed that both the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Airs will be updated, as well as the iMac line. Less sure is what the fourth Mac to be updated will be, but it's speculated that it will be the Mac mini rather than the Mac Pro, since the Pro has been neglected for about two years.
Jim Dalrymple of The Loop has put a damper on speculation that Apple could be preparing to kill off its Mac Pro desktop line. During his "Amplified" podcast with Dan Benjamin, Dalrymple responded with a simple "No" when asked if he though there was any chance that Apple would end the Mac Pro line. Dalrymple is said to have good connections within the secretive company, and he has a solid track record with regard to Apple predictions. Dalrymple's prediction may ease the anxieties of the now nearly 16,000 fans of the professional-grade machines who signed on to a Facebook petition asking Apple to refresh the Mac Pro.
An Apple fan dissatisfied with the attention the company has paid to its Mac Pro line of recent has taken to Facebook, posting a fan page petitioning the computer maker to refresh its line of professional-level desktops, or at least to let Mac Pro fans know what is going on with the line. The page has subsequently taken off, with more than 4,100 Likes and a number of shares from users around the world.
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on Mac Pros, speaker systems, and more. Macmall.com is now offering discounts on multiple Mac Pros, one of which is the 2.4GHz Mac Pro with a quad-core Intel Xeon Westmere processor, 6GB of RAM, 18x SuperDrive, and 1TB Hard Drive. Currently featured at DealNN, this computer has now dropped $280 in price and can be purchased for only $3,219.
Orders and shipments of the Mac Pro are beginning to see significant delays, says AppleInsider. One person tells the site that he ordered a higher-end Mac Pro in late March; initially it was slated to ship within three to five business days. After the order was placed the shipping date extended to April 11th, but as of April 16th, the computer still hasn't been delivered. The person says an Apple representative explained that his choice of a 12-core system meant the computer would have to be shipped directly from China.
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on Mac Pros, USB drives, and more. Apple's online store has recently lowered the cost on multiple refurbished Mac Pros, including the refurb. 2.66GHz Mac Pro with a quad-core Intel Xeon processor, 3GB of RAM, 640GB Serial ATA hard drive, and three open full-length PCI Express 2.0 expansion slots. Currently featured at DealNN, this Mac Pro has now dropped to $2039 in price and offers savings of up to $460.
NVIDIA formally brought its Kepler graphics core to the market Thursday, starting with its desktop line. The GeForce GTX 680 introduces new multiprocessing core groups known as SMX; they reportedly provide twice as much performance for the same energy as the GeForce 500 series. With three times as many cores as its ancestor (1,536), 2GB of 256-bit GDDR5 memory, and a 1GHz base clock, it's purportedly 43 percent faster in a game like Skyrim than AMD's Radeon HD 7970, even as it uses 28 percent less power.
Yesterday in the MacNN forums Professional Poster shifuimam asks "can a G4 play HD video?" click here to read more and join in. Also yesterday one Junior Member was inquiring about what video card they should use as a replacement in their Mac Pro from early 2008 in this thread.
Intel will expand its push in server platform, chipsets and processors into the second quarter of the year, DigiTimes reports. The chip company recently unveiled the E5-2600 series processors, which some believe will end up in refreshed Mac Pros in the near future, as well as three Xeon E5-1600 processors. It's set to debut a new server platform called Carlow that combines the USB 3-supporting Panther Point (C216) chipset with Ivy Bridge processors.
Intel ended one of the longest waits for one of its processors in recent memory on Tuesday by launching and detailing the Xeon E5-2600. Its mid-range server and workstation chip is a superset of the much newer Sandy Bridge-E architecture and can carry a full eight cores (up from six) and handle a much larger 768GB memory ceiling. The extra cores, along with a shrink from 45 to 32 nanometers and new AVX support, should make it about 80 percent faster than the Xeon 5600 it replaces.
HP confirmed that Intel was launching its long-in-the-making Xeon E5 workstation processors after it introduced a trio of new Z workstations. The regular Z420, mid-tier Z620, and flagship Z820 can all use the new E5-2600 chip line, which scales up to eight cores in one chip and has new ceilings for memory. At its extreme, the Z820 can have 16 cores across two processors, 14TB of storage, and a very large 512GB of error-correcting memory.
Intel's elusive, publicly accessible Xeon E5 processor is now known through a preview on Thursday. Workstation builder Supermicro gave The Inquirer a look at an upcoming E5-based workstation with two of the processors. Performance couldn't be publicly disclosed, but the Boston PC builder proved that they weren't hot and were stable enough to be production-ready.
Repeated talk of Intel delayng Ivy Bridge to June was supported by a conversation with executive VP Sean Maloney. HE told the FT that it had been moved back eight to ten weeks, from April to June. Contrary to some claims, though, it wasn't due to low demand but rather out of time getting the 22-nanometer chip manufacturing process up to speed.
Intel's long-expected Xeon E5 processor may have a narrower launch window. A rumor floated by Digitimes' industry contacts had the E5-2600 series and their matching C600 mainboard chipsets arriving in March. About 15 processors would start the line, beginning with the quad-core, 1.8GHz Xeon E5-2603 at a $202 bulk price and scaling up to the range-leading eight-core, 2.9GHz Xeon E5-2690 at $2,057.
At Apple's online store today save big on refurbished Macs, like this $300 price break on the 11.6-inch MacBook Air with a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage, now $799. For $999 is the refurb. 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.5GHz Intel Quad-Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive.
Apple's long-rumored Mac Pro update could signal a return to NVIDIA for graphics based on claims about production progress on Tuesday. The company had reportedly been soured based on is experience with drivers and hardware failures, MIC Gadget heard. Instead, it would use NVIDIA's Kepler hardware, although which exact parts weren't mentioned.
