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Apple Releases Cluster Node Xserve

Posted by pudge on from the for-the-basement dept.

JHromadka writes "Apple today released a cluster node version of its Xserve rackmount server. The Cluster Node is a dual 1.33GHz G4 that has 256 MB RAM, no optical drive, Gigabit Ethernet only on the logic board, no graphics card, and only 10 client licenses. Starting price is $2799, which is a grand less than the normal Xserve."

2 of 57 comments (clear)

  1. Re:256 Megs RAM, huh? by RalphBNumbers · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Low base RAM configurations are a good thing in this case.

    Noone in their right minds buys RAM thru Apple, they charge insane markups. Having one supplier is convenient, but not worth that kind of price imho.

    This way, if someone buys a rack full of XServes, they can spend under $10K filling them up with ram instead of two or three times that buying preinstalled RAM from Apple.

    --
    "The worst tyrannies were the ones where a governance required its own logic on every embedded node." - Vernor Vinge
  2. I see pieces on the board. by thatguywhoiam · · Score: 3, Insightful
    It's pretty obvious that Apple wants all of what SGI left behind. I don't blame them, it's where they should be. Check it out:

    - Transition to UNIXy OS complete
    - Xserve has appeared
    - Node clusters have appeared
    - Xraid
    - high-end video editing (Final Cut Pro)
    - high-end compositing software (Shake)
    - high-end audio production (Logic)
    - Maya support

    and let's not forget existing pieces:

    - QuickTime (now the basis of MPEG-4)
    - relationship with Adobe (Photoshop, et. al)
    - Avid (just ported Symphony to OS X)
    - the other big audio guys (MOTU etc.)

    They get that processor situation sorted out come July, they are poised to totally pull it off, too. The slow processor argument is the chief complaint about Apple. Take that away, and they are looking more impressive for content creators than anytime in their history.

    (Oh, and incidentally, on a personal note - just my opinion, don't flame me - the above are all reasons why Quark can go to hell.)

    --
    If Jesus wants me it knows where to find me.