As if iTunes U wasn't favorable enough, colleges are looking to the Apple's flagship computer brand as a viable alternative to the popular PC. Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, for one, is willing to get rid of their PC-compatibles to make room for new Macs.

The trend isn't only spotted over the education industry, but also the research industry as well. The huge stunt Virginia Tech pulled off for the Mac may have also attracted the attention of other educational and scientific organizations. Wilkes University claimed they chose the Mac because it's less susceptible to viruses.

It's doubtful that's the only reason, of course, as with Microsoft's new operating system Windows Vista costing an arm and a leg, institutions will be hard-pressed to shell out big bucks just to adopt new systems. And that's not including the heavy requirements of the new OS that could lead to unavoidable hardware upgrade costs.

The project that will switch a mixed assortment of PC and Macs numbering 1,700 to pure Mac is expected to cost US$ 1.4 million. The institute will be implementing a policy for students who wish to use their own computers within the compound.

 

It seems that an Xserve prototype found its way to through Apple's tight net and landed on the lap of an unsuspecting AppleInsider reader. And what does he find out? Lo and behold: It's a SATA RAID prototype!

Well, particularly striking is the six fiber-channel interface right behind the Xserve chassis which confirms the six indicator lights available in front of the chassis. Unfortunately, the unit is only half complete, as it is missing one other RAID controller for seven additional devices and six more fiber-channels.

The mysterious machine, dubbed as "Q57," is only known to hold as 512 MB of RAM and 1 Terabyte of storage space either over four storage drives or 1 TB multiplied by four, plus 2 Gigabit fiber channel. The prototype firmware is recognized, but somehow not activated for configuration. SATA will provide for better RAID performance and cooler temperatures but Apple may forgo the release of a SATA RAID option and head right to a Serial Attached SCSI-based prototype.

The Xserve, having served Virginia Tech in their supercomputer initiative, might get the right overhaul over their fiber channel weakness. And it's right about time it did.

You may read more on the details of the leaked prototype by clicking the Read link below.