[danviento]

This post is a two-parter, the first focusing on the future of MacPro processor specs, and the second on general credit accumulation.

I've read recently that while it is possible to switch out the processor in a MacPro, say from a 4-core to an 8-core, making the change from a 65nm based set to a 45nm architecture doesn't fly under OSX. Is the nm size the rule of thumb we can always use to determine whether or not upgrading is a possibility, or are there more factors involved?

I ask this because for my starting small businesses, I think I could afford a refurb MacPro (upgrade from the old 1.67Ghz Powerbook G4) at the four core level, but future needs and processing time might warrant a later upgrade. However, if someone foresees a push to a different Intel architecture that would be a big leap from where we're at now and render any possible upgrades obsolete, it might be better to hold off. It's been said recently that Apple is at the end of the current line of processors and we should be expecting the new line soon. I don't know how credible this viewpoint is, so I'd like some second, third, etc. opinions on it. What's your take?

And now for a somewhat-related question in a completely different arena of knowledge. If now *is* the time to buy a MacPro, I'd like to do it on credit. The reason for this being that I don't currently have any credit cards, and while my credit is fairly good (no problems buying a brand new truck a year ago) I'd like to build up more to get a home mortgage soon (6-9 months).

That being said, I'm looking for a card with a low APR so that I can save money before putting a down payment on a house, then making large payments (to the credit company) after getting the mortgage. The APR on the Juniper Visa Card (about 12%-27%) seems a little higher than I'd be willing to go for, though I don't know if payments towards a higher APR gain you credit at a faster rate, in which case I might just be willing to pay extra now to pay less later on the mortgage.

I've had some mail offers that require no payments for 6, 12, and even 18 months, though I doubt a deal like that gains you any credit if you're not paying anything. What do you suggest I look for in a card in terms of lowest monthly payout for highest credit rating gain?

Yeah, I know this second bit is probably something you don't see on MacNN forums. Ever. But I'll take any decent advise I can get here. If you've actually read this far, thanks for your time, and your consideration.

[Cei]

Upgrading Mac Pros is possible, but ultimately too expensive. Apple charges less for a Xeon CPU at the time of purchase than one costs from a retailer. Throw in the fact that you can't just swap any Xeon with another, and it's pretty tricky (ie: you can upgrade the 2.8 machines to a 3.0 as they have the same TDP, but not the 3.2 as it has a higher TDP and hence increased cooling). Each generation of Mac Pros change the CPU type (currently using Harpertown), and they're not cross-compatible. The next generation of Mac Pros (Nehalem based) won't accept Harpertown CPUs - rendering the whole exercise pointless.

As for credit, have you looked at Apple's own financing? MBNA in the UK did very very good deals (I bought a PowerBook years ago on 0%).

[Maflynn]

For the credit portion of your question, I'd say you'll generally have a better interest rate if you go with a conventional credit card then using Apple's revolving credit line.

[tooki]

Apple doesn't have revolving credit, it's just an affiliate Visa card from Juniper Bank (Barclay's), which the OP already found has very high interest. Apple does offer established businesses the option to lease, as well as have terms accounts.

I'd suggest using Bankrate.com to find a low-APR card, and apply for that. If you had no trouble getting a car loan, a credit card should be no problem.

[tooki]

Originally Posted by danviento 

I've had some mail offers that require no payments for 6, 12, and even 18 months, though I doubt a deal like that gains you any credit if you're not paying anything. What do you suggest I look for in a card in terms of lowest monthly payout for highest credit rating gain?

I've never heard of the card terms having an impact on the reporting, and from looking at a credit report, I can't see how they would. The report doesn't have the terms, just the account type (credit cards are "revolving", how much balance is rolled over each month, whether the minimum payments were met or not, whether it's in default or good standing, etc. APR isn't one of them.

I think a zero or low-interest card would be ideal. Just be super, super, SUPER diligent about looking over the fine print, as there's most likely a huge minefield of things you can do that cause you to default, thus losing the low APR on that card or any others you may get. (Look up Universal Default, an evil invention.)

[mduell]

Mac Pros (so far, and for the forseeable future) can only be upgraded within their chip "year" (assuming the tick/tock cycle). You can upgrade the current 4 core Mac Pro to an 8 core Mac Pro by adding another of the current 5400 series Xeons (which will be available for years). You can't put one of the upcoming Nehalem Xeons in the current Mac Pro (architecture change).

[danviento]

Thanks mdeull, that's the kind of info that I was wanting to know about. Thanks to the rest of you too. I'll do some fiscal balancing, and see where some of these rates can help out.

[grover432]

For credit, just get a home equity loan at a low interest rate.