I'm wondering who this news really impacts. Do Pro Users actually update their desktop systems more than once every four years? My Dell Precision 650 (Circa January, 2004, cost $4300 back then - top of the line workstation at the time) - is precisely as productive today, as it was when I was using it 8 years ago. The apps all run just as fast, I get the same amount of work done, I don't really have any need to upgrade to something newer. With the exception of operating system patches, it's mostly the same software.

Now - I _want_ a newer system, but, if you asked me whether, at the end of the day, my work output would be any different, or whether I would just be happier, I would have to answer the latter.

Instead of HN commentators feedback about how old the Apple platform is, I'm wondering whether they could comment on how the USB 3.0 + Thunderbolt + Retina Display upgrades they wanted will make a very real difference to their productivity. That would make for some useful reading, if it's the case.

It's not my sense with Pro Users that it is - and their tools will continue to work just as well for now. I think the Pro market is just different from the "upgrade every year or two" consumer market.

Also interesting, would be feedback from Pro Users who have decided that Apple not upgrading more frequently, will result in them changing platforms, and, what platforms they will change to - and why.