QuoteGraphics cards are ATI, I believe. No of course Apple doesn't make their own graphics cards. They don't make their own *anything*. They have unique designs for enclosures, but not hardware components (e.g. graphics card, CPU, etc.).
Yes. but i think if you read between the lines, then there is strong indication that efficiency is whats special here. The parts for this mac, will not fit or work in any other system. I expect that when using it with software there will be some nice surprises.
The design is so revolutionary, that it is impossible for me to not expect that (along with the OS) *using* this system will not be better (assuming everything works). In order for them to cram 12 GB of graphics cards standard, there must be a TON of optimization here.
The best pro cards I have seen shopping around never had more than 2-4GB and were huge. (cards are important to me because I use mudbox and maya as well as editing soft). So I agree with martins last post. There is more here than they are letting you see.
What I like is that all of the top versions of important components are standard.
Here is the keynote for the developers conference
http://www.apple.com/apple-events/june-2013/ you can skip ahead to the subjects that interest you.
On the cost.
Being that it is made in the US (assembled and some parts machined) I would expect that this would raise the price. however really, the cost may be lowered do to tax breaks from states for bringing jobs (everyone wants to work for apple).
There is also a significant reduction in the need for raw materials, thus reducing costs.
In the end I don't think this will cost anymore than any tower before. And may even be a good amount less due to a number of other factors.
Its really about the OS though, right? either you love windows or you hate it. If you hate it your on a mac. Its probably no more complex than that for most people. Frankly, if the price is right, you will see a lot of people switching on the OS alone, as usual.
On the late 2009 tower I have I get pretty good results from TG2 now. Not to far off from some of you with better knowledge of comp systems. So even if I only get 2x faster in any category with the new system, that is frigging fast.
But I really expect that it will be more than that, in a number of areas. MUdbox will be a Dream.
Still, Ill wait to get too excited. Im still poor.
