For what it’s worth:New iMac Pro can set you back

We described this as an 'absolute monster' back in June. Well, that beast is finally here,

Apple announced that it has formally started sales of the new iMac Pro, a new breed in the tech giant's desktop computer line-up, with specs that are sure to make your eyes pop.

But before we get into specifics, here's one good way to get you started: its base price is at Dh19,999.

Yep, that's Dh4,000 more than the starting cost of the current Mac Pro, and 'only' a few thousand dirhams lower than the Dh23,548 you would pay for the most expensive iMac at present, all top-end specs and extra software included.

Why is it so expensive?

It's because the iMac Pro is meant for the real professional users, those who need workstation-grade machines for stuff like real-time 3D rendering, high-megapixel photography, complex simulations, massive audio projects, immersive virtual reality and real-time 4K and 8K video rendering.

Is it worth it?

Apparently, yes. Those (very, very lucky) few who were able to test it out have given in rave reviews, like having a 200-300 per cent increase in performance. That's unheard of.

What are its specs?

Let's make life simpler for you (along with some comparisons):

- 5K Retina display (okay, there are 5K displays already out there, but this is Apple's)

- 5120 x 2880 resolution with support for one billion colours (ditto)

- Up to an 18-core 2.3GHz Intel Xeon W processor, 42,75MB cache (okay, okay; Intel has a 72-core processor)

- Up to a Radeon Pro Vega 64 graphics processor with 16GB of memory (that's five more than Nvidia's and Zotac's best)

- Up to 22 teraflops of compute power (the Xbox One Project Scorpio, touted as the 'most powerful gaming machine, has a paltry 6)

- Up to 128GB of RAM (nuts, just nuts)

- Up to 4TB SSD storage

- 10Gb Ethernet, offers up to 10 times faster networking

In short, these are all monster specs, unheard of when put together. Seriously, when was the last time you saw any combo of any of these lately?

Alright, so what would I get with the cheapest one?

As we said, the base price is Dh19,999, and your starting specs are a 3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and a Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics card with 8GB of memory.

And the most expensive?

Take all the specs we mentioned above, plus upgrades to the mouse, a Vesa mount adapter, and Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X pre-installed, you'll shoot up to a back- and bank-breaking Dh55,557. That's even more than the price of certain cars.