New Macbook Pros to be “thin” ?

[Chris Jacek]

[Herb Sevush] “It was rolled out when it was because it had the feature set that was aimed at their target market: emerging video makers, pro’s creating work to be distributed on the web, shops who’s workflow doesn’t require collaboration. Many of these people are by definition professional, many of those that aren’t will one day be. So yes, FCPX is absolutely “Pro” if that’s the definition of the word you want to use.”

I agree completely. The word “pro” is becoming as ambiguous as the word “producer.” That’s why, whenever I remember to do so, I try to use other terms like “traditional professionals” or “power users.”

Apple wants to create a new class of professionals, which they hope will be larger and less demanding than the “traditional professionals” that had been their FCP user base. This is certainly achievable.

Professor, Producer, Editor
and former Apple Employee

[Walter Soyka]

I’d argue that both Mr. Jacek and Mr. Kenny have made some valid points about Apple’s actions in the professional editorial space. Taken together, it seems that Apple has been very inconsistent.

I think that shows a strategy that is inscrutable at best, and incoherent at worst.

This may not speak to Apple’s dedication to pros, but I think it does speak about their focus.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Chris Jacek]

[Walter Soyka] “This may not speak to Apple’s dedication to pros, but I think it does speak about their focus.”

Or lack thereof? Maybe Apple can take some Ritalin.

Professor, Producer, Editor
and former Apple Employee

[Chris Kenny]

[Chris Jacek] “Unfortunately, your responses that are thoughtful and substantive are marginalized by some of your other responses. If you are going to argue against every single negative word, even if it means resorting to illogical positions like “Apple wouldn’t call it pro if it wasn’t”, you are going to diminish your credibility.”

That’s a hilarious misrepresentation of my position. I pointed out that Apple was calling it a pro app and had introduced it at an event for pros as a single point in a long, substantive post, and made a specific argument for why Apple probably isn’t lying about this.

You are now attempting to use this single point, out of context, to justify not responding to any of my augments.

—
Digital Workflow/Colorist, Nice Dissolve.

You should follow me on Twitter here. Or read our blog.

[Chris Jacek]

[Chris Kenny] “You are now attempting to use this single point, out of context, to justify not responding to any of my augments.”

You really just want to fight, and nothing else, don’t you? Sorry, not interested. I’d say let’s just agree to disagree, but I doubt you’d even agree to that.

Professor, Producer, Editor
and former Apple Employee

[Andrew Richards]

[Walter Soyka] “I think the comparison to the iMac is more than a little disingenuous. The iMac is luggable, but still requires power and a table. The GoBOXX is large and heavy, but still fundamentally portable by design, and can run off mains and on your lap.”

I was being slightly facetious there, but a portable workstation is not going to be used very often like a mainstream laptop. The battery life will be nearly useless for much more than moving from one power outlet to another. If a machine made of desktop components is used in anger and powered by a battery, it will last minutes, not hours. Realistically a mobile workstation is just a portable all-in-one form factor, and will usually be used at a work surface while plugged into power, simply out of necessity.

I don’t think lugging an iMac around is really a solution, but I also can’t really imagine serious mobile workstations being used for processor-intensive tasks without being placed in a location that would just as easily support an all-in-one desktop like an iMac.

Regardless, the closest thing you’ll ever get to a mobile workstation from Apple will be the 17″ MBP. Anything bulkier just isn’t their style and the potential market for such a machine is just too small to tempt Apple to sell into it. If 100,000 Xserve sales each year wasn’t worth keeping that product alive, tens of thousands of bulky, heavy, power-hungry, suitcase Macs would never meet Apple’s market volume standards.

Best,
Andy

[Chris Jacek]

[Andrew Richards] “I was being slightly facetious there, but a portable workstation is not going to be used very often like a mainstream laptop. The battery life will be nearly useless for much more than moving from one power outlet to another. If a machine made of desktop components is used in anger and powered by a battery, it will last minutes, not hours. Realistically a mobile workstation is just a portable all-in-one form factor, and will usually be used at a work surface while plugged into power, simply out of necessity. “

I think it is a little better than you think. I have been putting my new laptop through its paces, and can easily get 2+ hours of intensive editing and compositing on battery alone, full brightness, etc.., Of course, I opted for the larger battery. But at that point, going from 8 to 8.5 pounds isn’t much of a difference.

Professor, Producer, Editor
and former Apple Employee

[Andrew Richards]

Nice, what do you have?

Best,
Andy

[Shawn Miller]

“This class of system has been around for quite a while, and seems to mostly appeal to the LAN party crowd.”

Is it possible that you hold this veiw because you don’t have much exposure the type of professionals who need and use mobile workstations? I know several working animators and VFX artist who use this type of machine to take their work on the road.

“VFX work? There’s typically not much possibility to perform that in the field”

It depends on which tasks you’re talking about (VFX isn’t just one thing). Things like keying, comping and look development can all have components or phases which are done on set. I also know a few pro audio folks who use mobile workstations to record and mix live music.

Shawn

[Walter Soyka]

[Andrew Richards] “Regardless, the closest thing you’ll ever get to a mobile workstation from Apple will be the 17″ MBP. Anything bulkier just isn’t their style and the potential market for such a machine is just too small to tempt Apple to sell into it. If 100,000 Xserve sales each year wasn’t worth keeping that product alive, tens of thousands of bulky, heavy, power-hungry, suitcase Macs would never meet Apple’s market volume standards.”

Of course, I agree! Isn’t that the point of this thread? That Apple is more interested in offering a thinner, lighter laptop with mass market appeal than a high-spec laptop suitable only for professionals who need the power?

Not to say that the traditional pro market (TPM?) / power users won’t buy these — they’ll have to, if they want to take FCPX on the road — but rather that the offering isn’t really designed specifically for them?

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events