$60,000 for the best set up seems a bit steep, but I suppose given this is apple it shouldn't be that surprising. Beefing up the cost on a Mac Pro, I did see the cost was around $54,547.98 after maxing out all of the features, and $7,197.00 for the display.
An illustrator that I have started to follow showed off their build after starting to incorporate animation and video editing into their builds. I have to imagine that they spent only 8% of what it would cost to buy the maxed out Mac. Even a $10,000 PC seems like a decent save compared to the MP. Though I am curious who the target customer is for the Mac Pro.
Though another friend of mine who is a dedicated PC person did say that Mac does have one thing that PCs normally don't and that is reliable screens. The other element, based on a video I saw is that the Mac Pro is very quiet, nearly silent. Though a stellar monitor, which isn't even the computer itself, and a silent build doesn't seem like the best sales point.
This is where I'll throw some assumptions out there, but maybe the Mac Pro is more for the studios that manage projects for companies like Marvel, DC, and Lucas Film. I can see that being the ideal demographic for the top of the line top option where money is no object.
So let's add the budget and expectations in:
- $3,000 - $5,000 Budget
- 1tb - 2tb
- Minimum 32gb Ram
- As fast as can be
- 27 inch
I should mention that I do appreciate that Apple does allow users to add their own Ram. I was able to add Ram to my iMac for a fraction of the cost it would have been going through that apple store. Again, if I haven't made it clear, I love my mac. I've been using them for over a decade now.
I was able to mock up a estimate for a iMac and it put me at $4,028.00. I opted out of upgrading the ram since I can do that for a few hundred dollars cheaper than on the site. Still, I wonder if I would be able to save some extra money on performance options or even memory if I went with a certified second or third party?
Again, for the millionth time, I actually love using my mac. I just wonder if there is more flexibility in terms of upgrade options without waving the warranty.
