If I got the gist correctly, no internal expansion possible or required — all expansions are intended to be done via high-speed Thunderbolt. That keeps the core design simpler and easier to ensure it all works in OS X while allowing the power users the flexibility to add components that they need.
Pretty smart.
Of course, this is a specialty machine, really designed for high-end photo and video processing. Most users have no need for a Mac Pro.
I’ve had a Mac Pro for the last 5 years and have loved it. What I have liked is the ability to upgrade myself. Not sure which direction I will head with my next machine given the ability to have massive NAS’s for pretty cheap. Storage has always been my issue.
Yes, compact, but without internal or a good way to stack components, (or rack mount) things could get unwieldy.....
My only problem with that is no ports on the front. None. Need to plug in a USB flash drive, etc. spin the whole thing around, bulky power cable and all. Not smart.
“Of course, this is a specialty machine, really designed for science, engineering, and software development - plus high-end photo and video processing.”
FTFY. :-)
“Pretty smart.”
Considering the classic tower is mostly an empty box.