Earlier this week we reported on the arrival of new quad-core mobile processors, which are part of Intel's new Ivy Bridge parts. There’s quite a bit of speculation going on about how those parts could be used for a refresh of the MacBook Pro machines.

While our reports focused on the possible release of these new processors in the MacBooks, an interesting discussion has been happening inside the Ars OpenForum for a few weeks. In the thread Mac Pro update -- when?, sonic death mentioned, “I want to purchase a Mac Pro for our lab but it’s been a long time since an update…”

So what do other forum members think will happen with the Mac Pros? Should those users considering purchasing a Mac Pro wait until Apple makes a move?

OSB provides an answer that is often heard in professional circles: "If this is a production machine, buy what you need when you need it. You may feel stung when a new shiny drops three months later, but the gains your outfit received from a faster machine in the meantime will have been worth it."

On the other hand are rumors about the ultimate fate of the Mac Pro. Megalodon warns, “There’s also the risk Apple’s going to discontinue them.”

Apple’s plans for the pro line of its computers sparked a few heated debates, but The Professor brings a dose of perspective, “The days of Apple living off workstation sales for print and video pros are LONG over. I’m enough of a graybeard to remember those days fondly too, but thankfully Apple has always been immune to making business decisions based on nostalgia.”

Later in the thread, eskatonic responds to The Professor: “So, if the single slot prediction using Ivy Bridge is true this machine would probably come out end of May as that's when the PC boards with Thunderbolt on have been delayed until.”

What do you think needs to happen to the Mac Pro lines, and what are your own expectations about its processor? If you’re new, register for an account and join in the discussion.