Apple announces new Mac Pro, tweaks iMac and Mac Mini (CNET/CNN)

By Caroline McCarthy

(CNET) -- Well, here's what we've all been waiting for. Apple put out a couple of announcements on Tuesday related to its desktop computers.

The company unveiled a new Mac Pro high-end desktop powered by Intel's "Nehalem" processor, a new and more graphics-intensive Mac Mini machine, and updated iMacs that include the lowest price point yet for the consumer desktops.

Let's look at the new Mac Pro first: priced at $2,499 for the quad-core version and $3,299 for the eight-core version, those Intel "Nehalem" Xeon processors run at 2.93 GHz, and the interior of the machine has been cleaned up to make physical expansions easier. On the green front, it meets the new Energy Star 5.0 requirements that will go into effect later this year.

The new iMac desktop is a 24" machine that is priced at $1,499, the cost of Apple's previous 20" iMac. The 20-inch is now $1,199. The 20" is powered by a 2.66 GHz processor; the 24" has processor speed options of 2.66 GHz, 2.93 GHz (for $1,799), or 3.02 GHz (for $2,199).

The 24" comes with a 640GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM expandable to 8GB; the 20" comes with a 320GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM expandable to 8GB.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/03/apple.macpro/index.html




Mmmmm ... I think there might be a Mac Mini in my future.

For the same price I paid for mine you can get a lot more of a computer now. I use mine with a 28" Hannspree monitor.

Who wouldn't? They're smart and good looking, and I'm envious of the monitor size......but.... I have become a notebook addict. I can't imagine being tied to my desk. I realize that there are some folks who have the luxury of having both, but if I had to choose, it's the notebook.

I bought a black Macbook 2.4something dual core penryn a couple of months ago and I love it. I waited for the new ones to come out so I would get it cheaper ($1200 as I recall) but then discovered that it was also the last model to have a Firewire port that I need for my video cam- so that sealed the deal.

I was using a 2001 iBook and feeling underpowered, like a Yugo on the freeway.

I think you are right. I have a 24" iMac, but I miss the ability to carry around "newness" like I did once with my Powerbook.

I think someday ... when the economy turns around ... I may get another notebook.