The incomparable Anand Lal Shimpi:

The new Mac Pro is a dramatic departure from its predecessors. The chassis is still all aluminum (with the exception of a plastic cover over the fan) but it features a dark anodized finish vs. the bright silver finish of its predecessors. It’s a glossy finish but the good news is that unlike a mobile device it’s pretty easy to ensure that the system remains looking clean. The surface of the new Mac Pro is also incredibly smooth. There’s a heft and quality to the design that is at odds with how small and portable it is. I’m hardly an art critic but I do feel like there’s a lot to appreciate about the design and construction of the new Mac Pro. I needed to move the system closer to my power testing rig so it ended up immediately to the left of me. I have to admit that I’ve been petting it regularly ever since. It’s really awesomely smooth. It’s actually the first desktop in a very long time that I want very close to me. It feels more like a desk accessory than a computer, which is funny to say given just how much power is contained within this tiny package.

You won’t find a more thorough review anywhere. Grab a full cup of coffee and hit the bathroom before you jump in.