Today Apple announced upgrades to their professional computing line, with the release of updates to their existing PowerBook G4 and a completely redesigned PowerMac G5 models, including the most powerful Mac to date, the PowerMac G5 Quad.
Also announced is Aperture, a professional photography program aimed at RAW photo workflow. Aperture uses Core Image to manipulate photographs, much like Apple’s Motion video effect package.
Changes for the new PowerBooks
- The 12″ model remains unchanged, save for a price drop to $1499
- The 15″ and 17″ models recieved higher resolution displays
- 15″ PowerBook - 1440 x 960 pixels
- 17″ PowerBook - 1680 x 1050 pixels
- The 15″ and 17″ also now use faster DDR2 PC-4200 memory
- There is now only one default configuration for all the powerbooks, instead of the “Good, Better, Best”.
Changes for the new PowerMac G5’s
- There are now three models - two single processor, dual core 2Ghz and 2.3 Ghz machine, and one two processor, dual core 2.5 Ghz machine (the “Quad”). A dual core processor is basically two independant processors on one physical chip, which provides for cost and power savings over having two separate processors.
- The PowerMac G5 now uses faster DDR2 PC-4200 memory
- They use the PCI Express bus interface instead of the previous AGP 8x and PCI-X interfaces. This allows them to use up to 4 video cards in one computer, and provides far better bandwith to expansion cards. Also, all of the models feature the same number and type of expansion slots - previously the lower end G5 models lacked PCI-X slots.
- Speaking of graphics, the G5 now comes exclusively with nVidia graphics cards, all running on a 16x PCIe connection.
- Dual Ethernet ports, supporting Jumbo frames, are now standard. This is the same as the xServe G5.
- 4 USB 2.0 ports intstead of 3 as on previous models
- The Airport and Bluetooth antennas are now integrated into the back panel of the computer
If you’re interested in what computer is right for your specific use, please contact us for a consultation.
