Mac Pro petition gaining steam on Facebook

Although a flurry of Apple products hit store shelves each year, the company's enthusiast-focused Mac Pro has been looking awfully old as of late. A new petition on Facebook is asking Apple for some insight into its next move with the computer. The petition, called "We Want A New Mac Pro," launched on Facebook on May 8. Since then, the movement has secured about 6,300 likes. Late Thursday, according to AppleInsider, which first to report on the petition, it had about 4,000 likes. "Hello Apple. Remember me? I'm one of your loyal users," the petition's first message posted on May 8 reads. "I'm one of the guys who has owned 2 MacPros, a G5, a G4, 4 laptops, one iMac, 4 iPods, one MacMini, 4 iPhones and a bevy of other peripherals and software packages over the last 10 years. I'm looking for a little clarity. "Can you please let me and the other people on in this group know what is going on with the MacPro? Its been neglected for far too long," the message continued. "We realize all the success of the iPad and iPhone and we're really happy with our new toys. But unfortunately many of us need to make decisions on hardware for professional uses that allow us to make a living." Apple's Mac Pro is certainly not for everyone. The desktop starts at $2,499 and can go up to $4,999 as better components are added. It's extremely popular among designers and other professionals who need heavy firepower and are willing to pay for it. However, the Mac Pro hasn't been refreshed in nearly two years, making its faithful customers wonder what Apple is doing. Last year, reports claimed Apple was planning to update the computer, but that refresh never came. Now there is some hope that it'll deliver a new version this year, but so far, Apple hasn't said that'll happen, causing some to wonder if it might be discontinued. Signers of the petition wouldn't necessarily be excited to hear Apple is discontinuing the Mac Pro, but they seem convinced that any answer -- even if it's negative -- is better than none at all. "A timeframe would really go a long way in this relationship," the petition reads. "Please, either set us free and tell us that the hardware is dead or give us a little peak behind the curtain. Its not too much to ask. We cannot wait any longer and its really not fair to string us along like this." CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the petition. We will update this story when we have more information.