To me this looks like an example of Apple's craftsmanship in depth where quality and elegance can be seen at multiple levels, from the case to the internal hardware to the OS and its APIs.

Certainly one can find flaws, but compared to a typical Windows machine Apple has more craftsmanship (in my opinion). Windows exhibits more of the "just get it done" utilitarian idea.

A craftsperson can make the most beautiful, elegantly designed thing that is a joy to look at, use, and serves as a conversation piece... and still fail to meet the brief.

If someone needs a high stool for a high workbench, giving them an Aeron task chair is, while beautiful and well-made, missing the brief.

It amazes me that people are willing to pay twice as much for the fluff. I'm not convinced Apple Mac OS is twice as good as any other OS.

You may have a point. I did say "in my opinion". ;)

I'm could be jaded from working on Windows apps too long. (I worked on Windows stuff from the 3.1 era through to Windows 2000.)

Don't get me wrong - I like everything about the Mac Pro but you pay for your thrills. I can't afford to lay out that kind of scratch unnecessarily. Apple has done a nice job with the design, no doubt. Meanwhile, I have a high end Windows PC for much less money. The speed thrills me, so I don't need a Mac to get a thrill.

The new design might bring some improvement on cooling a lot of powerful hardware stashed inside a small space while keeping the noise level to a minimum.