“A Mac Pro is clearly classified as a Workstation,” Purcher reports. “This [new] unit [described in Apple’s patent app] continually describes itself – without a doubt – as a modular based ‘personal computer.’ The new outer design presents rounded corners and shock absorber stand pads. The internals of the tower design resemble that of Apple’s full tower – so it’s hard to distinguish between the units. Apple also introduces us to a new USB 3.0 and DisplayPort combination connector for personal computers and media players.”
Purcher reports, “If Apple actually delivers on a new lusty mini tower, there’s going to be a lot of very happy Macites loudly applauding Apple for finally listening to their faithful core base.”
Full article here.
Mac Pro mini?
mini tower? that is sooooo 2000’s……….
How this gonna work when Intel themselves isn’t using USB 3.0 and won’t be for a while, in their processor business?
http://gizmodo.com/5390483/intel-may-postpone-usb-30-support-on-chipsets-until-2011
The big tower was originally designed for the hot – giant wind tunnel cooled – G5 chips. It doesn’t need to be that big anymore. Least not for all but the extra high-end users.
A highly self upgradable entry level Mac machine would bring over masses of beige box zombies to the light side and expand Mac well into tipping point territory.
Mac nano?
My Dual-Core PowerMac G5 is still a beast and I really haven’t had any reason to upgrade it, but a min-tower like this might convince me to do so if the specs and price are right.
Soooo 2000’s… Fine but we could really use it for special applications.
What would be interesting would be if Apple added custom chips into their designs. Off-setting certain things to a modified A4-type chip. This would allow current compatibility, including Windows compatibility and ruin any chance of hackintoshes running OSX.
Apple isn’t about to introduce another mac. They love their lineup. If anything yeah the Mac Pros will be redesigned to a smaller form to save on aluminum to be more enviroment safe or as the kids say these days be more green.
@Bizorro Jeff
The G5 is still a good machine, but basically as soon as it was released it became the orphan stepchild at Apple. They’re Intel and A4 centric now. If you never upgrade, it’ll remain great. As soon as there’s a piece of software you want or need to upgrade, then it’s useless.
I have to admit, I’d love to see something like this come out soon.
Anything they can do to make the Mac Pro a smaller beast would be appreciated. I’ve gotten over the upgrade path since technology seems to favor the integrated upgrade rather than doing it piecemeal.
Nerd porn.
form factor isn’t the point. this device is your personal “cloud” that can crunch data receive/deliver it to your iPad, pico projector, touch, etc.