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Cylinder Mac Pro Q&A - Updated May 3, 2017
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Who designed the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro?
Like all other recent Macs, the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro was designed in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, headed by Jonathan Ive.
Where can I buy a Gray Cylinder Mac Pro?
In the US, someone always can buy a new Mac Pro directly from Apple, but you often can get a better deal by buying your new Mac Pro from an Apple Authorized Reseller like site sponsor Adorama. Adorama commonly has deep discounts on recently discontinued models, too.
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells a large selection of easy-to-upgrade used Mac Pro models.
Does the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro include a keyboard and mouse?
No. Like the Mac mini models, the Cylinder Mac Pro models do not ship with a keyboard or an input device like a mouse or trackpad. It is worth noting that the iMac models do ship with a keyboard and either the "Magic Mouse" or "Magic Trackpad."
What is the best way to pick up a Gray Cylinder Mac Pro? Is it okay to use it on its side?
In the tiny User's Guide for the Cylinder Mac Pro, Apple notes that the "curved edge on top is meant to be used as a handle."
Although the Cylinder Mac Pro is not particularly heavy, weighing approximately 11 pounds or 4.5 kilograms, EveryMac.com would add that it is a good idea to also place one hand under the system when moving it to ensure that it is properly supported.
Apple also notes that it is okay to use a Cylinder Mac Pro on its side, just make sure that there are several inches of space available at both the top and bottom of the system for proper airflow circulation and secure it in some fashion so it doesn't roll off a desk or shelf. Additionally, Apple wisely advises that you orient the system so that the ports are convenient to access.
Is there a stand available for the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro? How can I ensure proper air flow with a stand?
Although you always could make your own pedestal stand for the Cylinder Mac Pro -- as one IT professional did after learning the hard way that the system's fans were powerful enough to suck a spilled cup of coffee from his desk into the computer and cost hundreds of dollars to repair -- there are professional stands available, as well.
One attractive and high quality stand of potential interest is the BookArc Pro from company Twelve South (no longer available).
Photo Credit: Twelve South (BookArc Pro Stand)
The BookArc Pro is designed to hold the Mac Pro on its side, which not only safely elevates it from the desk to protect it from inhaling dust and spills but also provides plenty of space on both ends to ensure proper cooling.
How can you secure a Gray Cylinder Mac Pro? Does it have a security slot?
The Cylinder Mac Pro models do not have a security slot. However, the always industrious Maclocks was the first to develop a custom security bracket and cable.
Image Credit: Maclocks (Self Positioning Ltd)
Maclocks elaborates that this custom lock bracket goes underneath the removable Cylinder Mac Pro cover, the "bracket plates sit securely over the power cable locking the lid into place," and finally, the "bracket plate has an extended lip that will allow you to attach the included Security Cable Lock."
As first spotted by MacRumors, on July 1, 2014, Apple released its own "Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter" (MF858AM/A). At US$49, this adapter was a bit cheaper than the Maclocks solution, but it does not prevent the system from being unplugged and it also requires the purchase of a compatible third-party lock from Kensington or another company.
Image Credit: Apple, Inc. (Mac Pro Security Lock Adapter & Third-Party Lock/Cable)
Just like the Maclocks solution, Apple explains that the company's adapter "attaches without tools and does not modify or damage the Mac" and it "secures the housing to the enclosure, preventing access to internal components."
Neither of these solutions are inexpensive, but each ensures that the Cylinder Mac Pro cannot be opened or hauled away without effort.
What Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities are provided by the Gray Cylinder Mac Pro models?
All Cylinder Mac Pro models have dual Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi (which is backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
The Cylinder Mac Pro models also have six Thunderbolt 2 ports, one HDMI 1.4 UltraHD port, four USB 3.0 ports, a single rear-mounted headphone minijack, and a single rear-mounted "combined optical/digital audio output/analog line out minijack."
Additional connectivity only can be added via a PCIe expansion box.
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