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Updated 2.93 GHz Xeon processors and three 1066 MHz DDR3 memory channels combine to give the 2009 Mac Pro up to twice the performance of its predecessor, Apple claims.
Graphics performance is also boosted with the Nvidia GeForce GT 120 as standard and the option of the ATI Radeon HD 4870. These choices echo the selection of the GT 120 and HD 4850 for high-end configurations of the new iMac.
While the recyclable aluminium case looks the same, internal changes provide easier access to components and reduce the amount of material needed for manufacture.
Two standard configurations are offered.
$A4499 buys a single 2.66 GHz Xeon 3500 and 3G of RAM (expandable to 8G), while $A5899 gets you dual 2.26 Xeon 5500s with 6G (expandable to 32G) of RAM.
What else do you get? Please read on .
Other standard features include a 640G hard disk, a SuperDrive DVD burner, four PCI Express 2.0 slots, five USB 2.0 ports, four FireWire 800 ports, Bluetooth 2.1, the full-size Apple Keyboard and a Mighty Mouse.
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When multiple drives are installed, the optional Mac Pro RAID card allows them to be configured as RAID 0, 1, 5 or 0+1.
In the past, Apple has been criticised on environmental grounds, largely because it didn't trumpet its plans or credentials. But that's changed.
Apple now brags that the iMac has EPEAT Gold status, exceeds the Energy Star 4.0 requirements, has PVC-free internal components and cables, and contains no brominated flame requirements.
But Greenpeace will probably still find something to complain about.
The new Mac Pro will be available from mid-March.
